Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has recently drawn a sharp comparison between his predecessor, K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR), and former U.S. President Donald Trump. This jab was made during an event in Delhi, where Reddy indirectly criticized KCR's governance style, suggesting it was akin to Trump's. He stated that anyone who governs according to their whims and fancies becomes a "Trump," implying KCR's leadership was impulsive and arbitrary.
Reddy's comment alludes to KCR's leadership style during his ten-year rule as the Chief Minister of Telangana, which ended in December 2023. The Congress party, led by Revanth Reddy, secured a victory in the 2023 Telangana Legislative Assembly election, ousting KCR's Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). Reddy's remark suggests that the people of Telangana rejected KCR's style of governance, much like how some Americans rejected Trump's policies.
Furthermore, Revanth Reddy criticized KCR's habit of making decisions on a whim, stating that policies conceived overnight and implemented the following day are not sustainable. He contrasted this with the need for political willpower and well-thought-out strategies to run a government effectively. This criticism reflects a broader narrative of the Congress party portraying the previous BRS government as financially irresponsible and lacking foresight.
Reddy has been a vocal critic of KCR since assuming office. He has accused KCR of mismanaging Telangana's finances and pushing the state into deep debt. He also criticized KCR for only attending assembly sessions twice in 15 months despite drawing a salary of over ₹57 lakh as an MLA and opposition leader. Reddy has challenged KCR to a debate on the alleged injustices suffered by Telangana in utilizing Krishna River waters due to the BRS regime's neglect.
The comparison to Donald Trump also carries implications about KCR's leadership on a national level. Reddy expressed concern over how Trump's decisions were allegedly harming America's interests. He extended an invitation to industries and investors seeking to relocate from the U.S. to consider Telangana as a supportive base. This indicates an attempt to position Telangana as an attractive alternative for businesses seeking a more stable and conducive environment.
The political rivalry between Revanth Reddy and KCR remains intense. Reddy has dismissed any possibility of KCR's family members joining the Congress party, labeling them as "enemies of the state". He has also refuted claims that KCR should be called the "Father of Telangana," suggesting that figures like Professor Jayashankar and Konda Laxman Bapuji, who sacrificed for the statehood cause without seeking positions, are more deserving of that title.
While KCR has maintained a relatively low profile since the election defeat, he has occasionally addressed the public, often criticizing the new Congress government. Revanth Reddy has responded by accusing KCR of frustration and deception, alleging that KCR is trying to blame the Congress for the problems created during his ten-year rule.
The political landscape in Telangana is currently witnessing a significant shift. The Congress party is trying to consolidate its position, while the BRS is grappling with internal strife and attempting to regain its footing. The BJP has also made significant inroads in the state, winning eight of the 17 Lok Sabha seats in the recent elections. Revanth Reddy's comparison of KCR to Trump is a strategic move to discredit his political opponent and reinforce the Congress party's narrative of change and responsible governance.
