In a significant move ahead of the local body polls, the Congress on Friday appointed B Mahesh Kumar Goud as the new president of its Telangana unit. Goud, a prominent leader from the backward classes (BC), has replaced Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, who had been serving as the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president since 2021.
The appointment was made by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, with AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal making the official announcement. In a statement, Venugopal said that the party deeply appreciates the contributions of outgoing PCC president Revanth Reddy.
Goud’s Rise Through the Ranks
B Mahesh Kumar Goud, currently serving as the Working President (Organisation) of TPCC and an MLC, has been a dedicated Congress activist for over three decades. Born in 1966, Goud’s journey with the Congress began in his native Nizamabad district, where he became the president of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), the student wing of the Congress, between 1986 and 1990. Over the years, Goud steadily rose through the ranks, holding various positions within the party, including the TPCC General Secretary in 2016.
Goud has earned recognition for his role in managing the party’s organisational affairs as the Working President. His strategic acumen and leadership skills have helped him gain the confidence of the Congress leadership, culminating in his appointment as the TPCC president.
Balancing Caste Equations
Goud’s appointment as TPCC president comes as part of the Congress’s effort to strike a balance in caste dynamics within the state. While Revanth Reddy belongs to the Reddy community, which falls under the Other Castes (OC) category, Goud represents the backward classes (BC). Additionally, Telangana’s Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka is a Dalit leader. By selecting Goud, the Congress leadership appears to be ensuring representation for various communities, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity.
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Congratulatory Messages
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy congratulated Goud on his new role and expressed confidence in his ability to further strengthen the party at the grassroots level. Reddy also expressed his gratitude to the Congress leadership for entrusting him with the TPCC presidency three years ago and thanked the party workers for their unwavering support in bringing Congress to power in the state.
G Niranjan, TPCC senior vice-president, also welcomed Goud’s appointment. He noted that Goud’s long association with the party, his work as an NSUI leader, and his strong management of the party’s organisational affairs were key factors in the decision. Niranjan also highlighted that Goud’s appointment underscores the Congress’s commitment to the welfare and representation of backward classes in Telangana.
Challenges Ahead
As the new TPCC president, Goud faces the challenging task of coordinating between the party’s government and its organisational wings. He will also play a crucial role in preparing the party for the upcoming local body elections, which are expected to be a litmus test for the Congress’s hold on the state.
Goud’s appointment has ended months of speculation, as several senior leaders were said to be in the running for the top post. Now, as Goud takes charge, all eyes will be on how he leads the Telangana Congress into its next phase of political battles.
