Will Revanth deliver on his promise or walk political tightrope?
Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee stormy petrel Revanth Reddy stormed to power mainly on the strength of his fiery speeches about taking on the Kalvakuntla family that had everyone buzzing through the poll campaign and continued with hardly any let-up thereafter. Probing corruption, ‘constructing 2BHKs in Cherlapally Jail and sending the family there’ sounded like a concrete item on his agenda. Fast forward a year and whispers are growing louder: Where’s the action? Political circles are of the considered view that not arresting any members of the family in question could hand the Bharatiya Janata Party a golden opportunity to target him and fuel public disenchantment. But here’s the catch: arresting the family patriarch K Chandrasekhar Rao might trigger a sympathy wave similar to the one riding which Chandrababu Naidu returned to power in the neighbouring state. “KTR, though, is a different story”, murmur a section of political strategists. With a section of the public having no love lost for KTR; any backlash might be less damaging and Formula E is a surefire weapon. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has not spoken his mind on Formula E case in public. If and when he does, it will be as convincing as his Assembly speech on Pushpa-2 stampede and Allu Arjun’s arrest. For newbies, after his Assembly speech on Allu Arjun, Revanth got an upper hand in the entire scene. On Formula E case too, he does have solid points. For now, the Congress seems to be walking a tightrope, trying to balance promises with political optics. Those close to Revanth say that keeping his word-strategically, of course – is not less important. The larger question is: Either way, will the public buy into it?
Lights, camera, action! The Cabinet Sub-Committee script
Although Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy strategically turned the spotlight on himself before and during his meeting with movie moguls; post that closely watched meeting, the corridors of power have been abuzz with whispers about the fade-out of Komatireddy Venkatreddy, the Cinematography Minister, who appears better aligned with the public than with the film industry over which he presides. For, post the high-profile meeting involving the CM, Dy CM, and TFI bigwigs, all eyes were on the composition of the promised Cabinet Sub-Committee to address issues concerning the film industry. But guess what? The plot thickened. Revanth reportedly wants Bhatti to head the committee, much to the chagrin of Komatireddy. Why? Because Komatireddy believes, as the Minister concerned, it is within his right to head the panel. But insiders hint that Revanth isn’t keen on having an “aggressive” minister like Komatireddy steering the ship. “Having Bhatti at the helm would strike a balance with the industry”, is said to be Revanth’s reasoning (or modifications in the script). Komatireddy, meanwhile, is holding his ground, as he is confident of the ultimate outcome of the show. He argues that sidelining him would set a precedent no Minister would tolerate. While the Chief Minister has remained tight-lipped, sources say the film industry is watching the drama scripted by AI (Anumula Intelligence) unfold like a nail-biting thriller. Circles within the industry and outside can’t wait for the final credits to roll!
Revanth’s take on divine dispensation and
mundane ratings
Humankind believes in a multiplicity of Gods, Goddesses, the Almighty or whatever be the name(s) attributed to the divine dispensation under which people play their assigned parts and exit the stage, so to speak. TG Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy highlighted the lack of a universal figure even in the divine realm when asked about a section of people expressing their disenchantment with his leadership. In mundane terms, Revanth Reddy responded: “When even Gods don’t have 100% approval, how can I, a mere human, have it?” For once, he left everyone reflecting on his ponderous proposition that drew a parallel between divine dispensation and expectations from political leadership. Lending a philosophical touch, Revanth reportedly elaborated: “People pray to different Gods; in the same way, people have their preferences in leadership. But no God enjoys universal approval.” No wonder, the Chief Minister’s refrain has been: “I only need 51% approval to be in power”. A pragmatic politician, he seems least bothered by dissenting voices and has instead brought laser-like focus on retaining the critical mass of support he needs (and believes he has) to steer the state.
Kavitha’s makeover: a new chapter unfolds
For some, a jail term can be a transformative experience. Books written in jail have proved to be enduring masterpieces. Persons jailed for political reasons have gone on to become great leaders after clearing the air upon their release. Whispers in political circles suggest that MLC K Kavitha has turned over a new leaf post her Tihar jail stint. Gone are the days of her stately public appearances in vibrant pattu, Narayanpet, and ikat sarees. She is now willingly embracing non-elitist cotton and aesthetically appealing fibers, signaling a sartorial shift in her public image. On the whole, it is clear that Kavitha has opened a new playbook. For, apart from her metamorphosis into a minimalist, she has been keen on grabbing media space like never before. Be it a political issue or furthering the cause of a community, her voice seems to stand out everywhere, apparently with no day off in her calendar. Party insiders hint that the challenges she faced during her time in jail have steeled her to take on whatever comes her way. “She’s not the same Kavitha anymore,” says a close aide. “The makeover isn’t just about looks-it’s about strategy, determination, and reclaiming her narrative.” Whether this transformation will silence her critics or amplify her influence is anyone’s guess. But one thing is for sure: Kavitha 2.0 is here to stay (and grab eyeballs of those who would be ready to also lend their ears as well).
Question mark over KTR’s studied silence amid Formula E case twists and turns
If there is one thing that KTR’s spin doctors could profitably take a page from, it is Kavitha’s PR playbook. Even when Kavitha was in the glare of media scrutiny in the liquor scam case, her team came up with meticulous updates. From ED summons to the exact date of her appearance, every detail was promptly and clearly communicated to the media, leaving no room for speculation or confusion. In sharp contrast, KTR’s PR machinery seems to be playing a different ball game altogether. Despite the ‘arresting’ details tumbling out of ongoing probes around the Formula E case, not a single piece of communication has come from his team so far to put the record straight. Let alone media circles, ever others watching the progress of the case are wondering why the entire approach needs to be so secretive. If indeed there is nothing to hide, what keeps KTR from addressing the matter head-on? Instead of a pushback projected as a bid to avoid a ‘media trial’, perhaps a more transparent approach would put amorphous matters in perspective in the public domain. Informed public will never fall prey to ill-founded rumours. Maybe, it is time for KTR’s team to rethink their strategy.
‘Pushpa’ catalyses change among Communists!
Films can be catalysts for change when it comes to social templates. At least the film ‘Pushpa’ has done it for sure in the case of Communists. Although ‘Police zulm nashinchali’ (End police brutality) has been their time-tested rallying cry, of late the Communists seem to have changed their template, perhaps as a cameo. The Communists have extended their support to the Telangana Police’s action in the recent Sandhya Theatre stampede case, giving a clean chit to the uniformed force. Communist leaders, noticeably Congress-friendly ones like MLA Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao and Dr K Narayana, verbalized their support, saying: ‘Police are not at fault in the Sandhya Theatre incident’. Spotting thorns in Pushpa-2 film, they opined that it has ‘nothing’, considering it portrays a red sanders smuggler as the hero. The Communists found fault also with the government for giving permission to benefit shows and scope to enhance the ticket prices. Opening a new chapter on ‘zulm on police’, former naxalite and Panchayati Raj Minister Seethakka, endorsing the view of the TG Police, found fault with the Centre for giving ‘Best Actor’ award to the hero of Pushpa-1 film Allu Arjun. Ecological protection awareness is gradually increasing around the world.
(With inputs from Naveena Ghanate, Kolishetty Venkateshwarlu)
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6th World Telugu writers’ meet off to a grand start
PNS n Vijayawada
The 6th World Telugu Writers’ Mahasabha commenced with grandeur on Saturday in Vijayawada, with former Chief Justice of India, Justice NV Ramana, inaugurating the two-day event. In his keynote address, Justice Ramana highlighted the importance of preserving the Telugu language, calling it a treasure of culture and identity.
Justice Ramana described Telugu as a “rich and melodious language spoken by over 100 million people,” emphasising its poetic beauty and cultural significance. “Our culture and language are our treasures.
Without a language, people are orphans without history and identity. Telugu is not just a medium of communication; it is the soul of our heritage,” he remarked.
He urged society to resist the commercialisation and political exploitation of the language, stressing that protecting Telugu is crucial for preserving its greatness. Justice Ramana also paid homage to luminaries like NTR, Viswanatha Satyanarayana, Ghantasala, and Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna, while encouraging parents to pass on the legacy to future generations.
The event’s Honorary President, MLA Mandali Buddha Prasad, praised the late Ramoji Rao for his contributions to Telugu literature and journalism, describing him as the backbone of the World Telugu Writers’ Conferences. He urged writers to counter the growing influence of English on Telugu education.
The Mahasabha includes over 25 conferences, poetry readings, and literary sessions, attracting writers, poets, and language enthusiasts from around the world. Dignitaries in attendance included MLA Sujana Chowdhury, Margadarsi MD Shailaja Kiran, scholar Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad, and noted lyricists Gorati Venkanna, Bhuvana Chandra, Jonnavittula Rama Lingeswara Rao, and Suddhala Ashok Teja.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu extended his congratulations via social media, stating, “It is a matter of pride for all Telugu to organise the World Telugu Writers’ Conference in Vijayawada. Naming the premises after Potti Sriramulu and the main stage after Ramoji Rao reflects their invaluable contributions to the Telugu nation.”
Day one concluded with cultural performances, reaffirming a collective commitment to promoting and preserving the Telugu language for future generations.
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BJP for probe into irregularities in TTD
PNS n Vijayawada
A BJP delegation, including TTD Board Member Bhanu Prakash Reddy, BJP State Media In-charge Paturi Nagabhushanam, State Spokesperson Jayaprakash, and Minority Morcha State President Sheikh Baji, met state DGP Ch. Dwaraka Tirumala Rao to express concern over alleged irregularities in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Nagabhushanam alleged that irregularities within the TTD over the past five years were suppressed by the previous administration. “The earlier government, along with the TTD Chairman and officials like Dharma Reddy, buried these issues,” he claimed. He stated that with Bhanu Prakash Reddy now on the TTD Board, details of mismanagement and questionable decisions have surfaced. “We urged the DGP to take action to safeguard the temple’s assets,” Nagabhushanam said.
Bhanu Prakash Reddy alleged misappropriation of funds in the TTD, one of the world’s largest Hindu religious institutions. “Devotees contribute crores of rupees to the TTD, but funds were diverted by the previous government. For example, during the counting of the Hundi (offering box), an individual named Ravi Kumar was caught stealing money. Though vigilance officials apprehended him, higher officials diverted the case instead of recovering the stolen amount,” he alleged.
The delegation demanded a judicial inquiry into alleged misappropriations exceeding Rs 100 crore. “We submitted a representation to the DGP, urging the formation of an inquiry commission. A TTD Vigilance Officer’s report revealed that a police officer exerted pressure to settle the matter in the Lok Adalat. We want the truth about this officer to be uncovered,” Reddy said.
The BJP leaders emphasised the need for transparency and accountability in managing the temple’s assets, calling for swift action to ensure the sanctity of the institution.
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‘Diversionary politics hurting public interests’
PNS n Vijayawada
Former MLA Gadikota Srikanth Reddy has lambasted Jana Sena leader Pawan Kalyan, accusing him of indulging in diversionary politics that fail to address the pressing concerns of marginalised communities.
Speaking about Pawan Kalyan’s recent visit to Kadapa, Srikanth Reddy criticised the leader’s selective outrage, highlighting his focus on the MPDO injured in the Galiveedu incident while ignoring the tragic suicide of a farmer’s family in the same district. “Pawan Kalyan has trivialised the farmer family’s death, showing insensitivity towards their struggles,” he alleged.
Srikanth Reddy further accused Pawan Kalyan of remaining silent on critical issues such as the murder of a young YSRCP supporter in Vinukonda, the rape and murder of a Dalit girl in Pithapuram, and atrocities against marginalised communities by his own party’s MLA in Kakinada. He questioned Kalyan’s reluctance to hold the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) accountable for its failures, raising doubts about his commitment to justice and democratic values.
Commenting on the Galiveedu incident, Srikanth Reddy alleged that it was a premeditated attack by TDP supporters targeting YSRCP leaders, including former MPP Sudharshan Reddy. Despite evidence on social media showing unprovoked aggression, Pawan Kalyan politicised the incident without verifying the facts, he claimed.
YSR District YSRCP President P. Ravindranath Reddy also criticised Pawan Kalyan’s actions, accusing him of aligning with the TDP’s diversionary tactics. Ravindranath Reddy claimed that such tactics aim to distract from critical public issues, including rising electricity charges, the Visakha Steel Plant crisis, and unemployment. He further questioned Pawan Kalyan’s failure to address the farmer family’s suicide in Duddekunta, which he attributed to crop losses and insufficient support prices.
The YSRCP leaders called on Pawan Kalyan to abandon selective politics and focus on real issues affecting farmers, youth, and marginalised communities. They urged him to prioritise public welfare over political gains.
