Rahul Gandhi Sidestep Revanth Reddy Again, Telangana Congress Rift Deepens

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent visit to Telangana has once again highlighted the growing disconnect between him and Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. During a public meeting in the state, Rahul reportedly avoided any significant public interaction with Reddy, sparking fresh speculation about internal tensions within the party’s state unit.

This comes at a time when the Congress is trying to project unity in the face of opposition challenges.

A Noticeable Absence of Gesture

Despite being the Chief Minister and face of the Congress’s recent electoral victory in Telangana, Revanth Reddy received limited visibility during Rahul Gandhi’s visit. Eyewitnesses and party observers noted that there was no direct acknowledgment, praise, or engagement between the two leaders during the event — a move that many see as politically loaded.

Party insiders say this isn’t the first time Reddy has been sidelined at key national-level Congress programs.

Internal Power Dynamics at Play?

Sources suggest that friction between Rahul Gandhi’s core team and Revanth Reddy has existed since before the Telangana elections. While Reddy’s grassroots popularity and sharp political instincts helped the party regain lost ground in the state, he reportedly lacks the full confidence of the central leadership.

Congress workers in cities like Warangal, Nizamabad, and Karimnagar — strongholds where Reddy played a key role — are concerned that visible internal rifts could weaken the party’s momentum ahead of the next phase of governance.

Silence Fuels Speculation

Neither Rahul Gandhi nor Revanth Reddy publicly addressed the gap in their engagement, but party cadres and local media have been quick to take note. In the absence of clarity, the lack of unity could lead to confusion within the state organization, especially when the focus should be on delivery and performance.

Leaders from other Tier 2 Congress-ruled states are also watching closely, as such events may set a precedent for how central leadership balances regional power centers.

Party Image and Political Fallout

For a party trying to rebuild its national narrative, internal differences — if not addressed — risk damaging credibility. While it is common for differences to exist in a large organization, repeated cold shoulders at public events send a message not just to political observers, but also to voters who backed the party hoping for cohesive leadership.

In Telangana, where governance expectations are high post-election, the Congress can ill afford visible cracks at the top.

Conclusion

Rahul Gandhi’s continued distance from Revanth Reddy has added to the perception of unease within the Telangana Congress leadership. Whether this signals a deeper strategic disagreement or a temporary political recalibration remains to be seen. But with the eyes of both the party’s base and its opponents watching closely, resolving such internal tensions will be key to sustaining electoral gains and ensuring stable governance.