In a significant political change, Meenakshi Natarajan has been appointed as the AICC in-charge in Telangana, replacing Deepa Das Munshi. This is seen as a major victory for Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who had been facing challenges within the Congress over Munshi’s leadership.
A close associate of Rahul Gandhi, Meenakshi had come as an election observer to Telangana during the elections. Deepa Das Munshi’s tenure as Telangana Congress in-charge had been mired in controversy, with Congress leaders quietly expressing dissatisfaction over her approach.
Unlike past AICC in-charges, she settled in Hyderabad, reportedly renting a residence costing lakhs per month, a move that did not go well with party cadres. Party circles had even dubbed her as the ‘Viceroy of Telangana,’ reflecting the growing discontent.
With Munshi’s removal, Revanth has cemented his control over the Telangana Congress, ensuring a leadership team that aligns with his vision.
The appointment of Meenakshi Natarajan has been widely welcomed by Telangana Congress leaders, with TPCC Working President Bomma Mahesh Kumar Goud hailing it as a positive development. He described her as an honest and humble leader, whose simple lifestyle sets an example for party workers.
“Meenakshi Natarajan had a remarkable journey inside the Congress, starting from the NSUI and later serving as its President. She now heads the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayati Sanghatan at the national level and has always been an inspiration,” Mahesh said.
Recounting her connections with Telangana, Mahesh recalled that she once led
a padayatra from Bhoodan Pochampally, energising Congress workers. He expressed confidence that her appointment would strengthen the party while thanking Deepa Das Munshi for her contributions.
The Minister for Transport and BC Welfare, Ponnam Prabhakar, acknowledged Deepa Das Munshi’s year-long efforts in the Telangana Congress and thanked her for her contributions. However, he emphasised that Meenakshi Natarajan’s experience as the Telangana Election Observer and her frequent visits to the state make her a strong candidate for the role.
Ponnam, who had worked closely with Meenakshi Natarajan during his NSUI tenure, recalled her long association with Telangana politics. “During her tenure as NSUI President (1999-2000), I had the opportunity to serve as the state NSUI President. I consider it my privilege to have worked with her back then,” he said.
Welcoming the new AICC in-charge, Minister Konda Surekha issued a statement reinforcing her commitment to strengthening the party under Meenakshi Natarajan’s leadership.
“With her experience in the NSUI, Youth Congress and the AICC, she will bring a valuable strategic direction to the Telangana Congress. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and TPCC Working President Bomma Mahesh Kumar Goud, both the Telangana Government and the Congress party are working tirelessly for the people. With Meenakshi Natarajan’s help, this momentum will grow stronger,” she said.
Telangana Congress leaders asserted that with this leadership change, the party will be better positioned for electoral battles, ensuring that the Congress Government delivers on its promises while keeping its house in order.
