Congress Veteran T Jeevan Reddy Ends 42-Year Association with Party
HYDERABAD: In a significant political development, senior Congress leader and former minister T Jeevan Reddy formally resigned from the Indian National Congress on Wednesday, severing his ties with the grand old party after an association spanning four decades. The resignation marks the culmination of growing discontent within the party ranks.
Resignation Announcement and Future Plans
Jeevan Reddy announced his decision after convening a meeting with his core followers and supporters in Jagtial. He did not disclose whether he intends to join another political party or launch his own political outfit. His followers indicated that a decision regarding his future political trajectory will be made public in the near future.
The veteran leader declared his intention to initiate a political battle against Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, drawing parallels to his previous confrontations with former chief ministers N. Chandrababu Naidu of the TDP and K. Chandrasekhar Rao of the BRS.
Reasons Behind the Resignation
In a detailed explanation, Jeevan Reddy expressed profound dissatisfaction with the Congress leadership's recent actions. A six-term MLA from Jagtial, who lost to BRS candidate Sanjay Kumar in the 2023 elections, he specifically criticized the party for encouraging defections and subsequently inducting Sanjay Kumar into the Congress fold.
"The Congress came to power due to ten years of relentless hard work by dedicated party workers who endured police cases and the high-handedness of BRS representatives," Jeevan Reddy stated. "How can the party leadership now allow these same BRS leaders to dominate over loyal Congress workers? This decision to welcome BRS MLAs, despite having a majority in the assembly, is detrimental and has left party workers deeply unhappy."
He further highlighted personal grievances, noting that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy did not condemn or visit the family of one of his murdered followers. "I have been facing continuous insults and humiliation within the party. Honour is more important than positions," he asserted, mentioning that he remained silent even when overlooked for a cabinet post.
Political Career and Final Communications
Jeevan Reddy, who served as Roads and Buildings Minister in the Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy cabinet in undivided Andhra Pradesh and as Excise Minister in the N.T. Rama Rao cabinet, has had a distinguished political career. His tenure includes one term with the TDP and five terms representing the Congress.
He formally submitted his resignation letter to AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, outlining the circumstances that led to his departure. In his communication, he expressed gratitude to Kharge and the Gandhi family for the opportunities and positions afforded to him during his long tenure with the party and in government roles.
Despite efforts at reconciliation by TPCC President B. Mahesh Kumar Goud and AICC Secretary Sachin Sawant, who assured support on behalf of AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, Jeevan Reddy conveyed to his followers that he could no longer remain in a party that failed to respect its loyalists.
The resignation underscores ongoing internal tensions within the Telangana Congress, particularly concerning the integration of leaders from opposing parties and the treatment of longstanding members.
