In just a week since assuming office, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president A Revanth Reddy, the new Chief Minister, has marked a departure from the previous administration led by K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR). Revanth’s distinctive approach to governance and leadership style is evident in several key decisions.
Revanth, despite being new to administrative roles, has swiftly made significant decisions, contrasting sharply with KCR’s centralization of power. The Chief Minister has delegated authority to his senior cabinet members, such as Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, N Uttam Kumar Reddy, Damodar Raja Narasimha, D Sridhar Babu, and Tummala Nageshwar Rao.
Unlike KCR’s autocratic style, Revanth has allowed his cabinet members to hold independent meetings with officials in their respective departments, signaling a more decentralized decision-making process.
Revanth’s inclusive approach extends to former leaders of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government. Despite a change in power, he has displayed courtesy toward BRS leaders, maintaining a diplomatic stance.
During KCR’s recent health incident, Revanth not only facilitated his swift transfer to Hyderabad for medical treatment but also visited him in the hospital, seeking advice on governance matters.
Furthermore, Revanth has approached political parties across the spectrum, engaging with leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the AIMIM, displaying a collaborative attitude in the interest of the state.
In parallel, the Chief Minister has initiated administrative overhauls, including transfers of police officials and the removal of chairpersons from 54 corporations and nominated bodies.
Revanth’s administration is also scrutinizing key decisions made by the previous government, such as the establishment of Pharma City at Ibrahimpatnam, metro rail extensions, and addressing issues like the Telangana State Public Service Commission’s question paper leakage and the controversial Dharani portal.
Political analyst Rama Krishna Sangem notes that Revanth has prioritized implementing Congress party guarantees, introducing free bus rides for all women and increasing medical assistance to poor patients under the Arogya Sri scheme. The positive public response to opening Pragati Bhavan for public grievances demonstrates a shift from KCR’s perceived aloofness.
While Revanth’s proactive approach is being praised, opposition parties are quick to scrutinize unfulfilled electoral promises. Both BRS and BJP leaders have raised questions about the implementation of assurances made during the election campaign.
As the new Chief Minister, Revanth Reddy’s distinctive style and swift decision-making set the tone for a governance approach that contrasts with the previous administration.
