Telangana CM’s Advisors intensify efforts for MLC nominations
Three advisors to Telangana CM Revanth Reddy—Vem Narendra Reddy, Harkara Venugopal, and Shabbir Ali—are lobbying for party endorsement in the upcoming MLC elections.
HYDERABAD: Three advisors to Government of Telangana and Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy are reportedly making strong efforts to secure nominations for the upcoming Member of Legislative Council (MLC) elections. Vem Narendra Reddy, Harkara Venugopal, and Shabbir Ali have allegedly conveyed their aspirations to the Chief Minister and have begun lobbying for party endorsement.
After assuming office, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy appointed these three close associates as advisors—Vem Narendra Reddy as Public Affairs Advisor, Harkara Venugopal as Protocol and Public Relations Advisor, and Shabbir Ali in a strategic advisory role. With the Election Commission issuing a notification for five MLC seats under the Assembly quota, the Congress party is expected to secure four positions based on its legislative strength, while the remaining seat is speculated to go to the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM).
Vem Narendra Reddy has had a long association with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, dating back to their simultaneous election to the Assembly in 2009. Both leaders transitioned from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) to the Congress, maintaining a strong alliance. Narendra Reddy has played a key role in internal party affairs and is now seeking a position in the Legislative Council, reportedly with aspirations for a ministerial role.
Harkara Venugopal, a senior Congress member, has earned a reputation for his loyalty and close association with the party high command. Having overseen PCC protocol matters for an extended period, he has developed strong relationships with senior AICC leaders. His current role as Protocol and Public Relations Advisor to the Chief Minister has positioned him as a key figure in both government and party affairs, strengthening his candidacy for an MLC seat.
Shabbir Ali, another trusted advisor, has been actively involved in strategic decision-making within the administration. His contributions to shaping policy directions have been significant, and he is now seeking a legislative role to further his influence in governance.
As the MLC elections draw closer, the lobbying efforts by these advisors have intensified, highlighting the internal competition and strategic maneuvering within the Congress party in Telangana.