Reddy says the Model Code of Conduct halted the momentum of change, yet his party has implemented five out of six assembly poll promises within 100 days. From the day of the Lok Sabha results on June 4, his government will swing into action to turn Telangana into a model state.
It was a balmy evening in Jubilee Hills, the upscale neighbourhood of Hyderabad, where the winds of change were palpable.
As one approached the unassuming private residence of Telangana's Chief Minister, Anumula Revanth Reddy, there was an air of simplicity and accessibility that stood in stark contrast to Pragathi Bhavan – the former chief minister's palace-like residence, much removed from the lives of a common man.
Security was present, but it was discreet, a far cry from the heavy-handed approach at the Amerpet-based Pragathi Bhavan. It seemed the promises of the Congress party, which swept into power in the December elections, were already taking root.
As Reddy descended the stairs, clad in a crisp white cotton shirt and simple black trousers, his persona exuded an aura of authority that belied his modest appearance. Unlike his political colleagues from across different political parties, some of whom are known to favour opulent attire, Reddy's simplicity was striking.
"I am a people's person," Reddy declared, his voice carrying philosophical tones. I like to mingle with the crowds without any pretensions or airs about who I am. It's just a role that has been assigned to me, and I am doing my duty."
His words echoed the sentiments of a leader grounded in humility, one who recognised the transience of power and the impermanence of even the most coveted positions.
The winds of change were blowing through Telangana, and Reddy's ascension to the chief minister's office signalled a new era – one in which transparency, accountability, and the welfare of the people would take precedence over the corruption and excesses of the past.
"I had less than four months to act. I took over on December 7, 2024, and the model code was imposed on March 27, 2024, exactly 100 days later. In this time, my government implemented five out of the six election promises we made. But come June 4, my government will swing into action, undertaking to turn Telangana into a model state."
As Reddy spoke of the challenges that lay ahead, he rattled off a list of things to be done, ranging from addressing water scarcity and financial mismanagement to the complex issues of reservations and social justice—his resolve was palpable.
The people of Telangana had placed their faith in him, and he was determined to deliver on the promises that had propelled the Congress party to victory.
With the BRS's grip on power waning and the BJP's influence dwindling in the state, Telangana stood at a crossroads. Reddy's ascension represented not just a changing of the guard but a paradigm shift, a recalibration of priorities that promised to usher in a new era of governance.
As the sun dipped below the horizon for the day, casting a warm glow over the city, the people of Telangana dared to hope—hope for a future where their voices would be heard, their needs addressed, and their aspirations realised. For in Revanth Reddy, they saw not just a leader but an embodiment of the change they had long yearned for.
As the Congress political strategist Sunil Kanugolu walked in to re-strategise election war room issues at the hustings, it was time for Revanth to walk into his office adjoining the end of the flight of stairs leading from the porch to the elevated garden. In the famous Padma Temple, not far from his house, silent prayers were going up that prayed for his success, as it was linked to the future of the state that completes ten years of existence this June.
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