Hyderabad: Makthal MLA Vakiti Srihari took oath as minister in the Telangana cabinet on Sunday, marking a milestone in a political journey that has spanned over three decades within the Congress party.
Reciting his name Vakiti Srihari—he was administered the oath by Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan (or Jishnu Dev Varma, as reported) in a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan. Expressing gratitude, Srihari turned to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who stood beside him on the stage, thanking him for the opportunity.
Srihari’s induction into the cabinet comes in the first year of his tenure as MLA, reflecting the Congress leadership’s recognition of his grassroots connection and consistent service to the party. Born to Narsimhulu, a farmer, and Ramulamma, a nurse, in Makthal of Narayanpet district, Srihari grew up with a deep sense of social responsibility.
Educated at Makthal Government School through Class X and completing his intermediate and degree at Palamuru, Srihari balanced his studies with his early political work. In 2000, he married Lalitha, who herself has remained active in politics with his support. Together, they share a family deeply committed to public service.
Srihari’s political journey began with the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), serving as Makthal mandal NSUI president from 1990–93 and later as Youth Congress mandal president from 1993–96. He went on to serve as Makthal mandal secretary (1996–2001) and Mahbubnagar district Congress vice president (2001–06). His grassroots leadership was cemented when he was elected sarpanch of Makthal major gram panchayat in 2001 with a decisive majority.
His electoral journey includes a resounding victory in the 2010–14 ZPTC elections, where he secured one of the largest majorities in the state, earning him a place as ZP floor leader until 2018. He continued his rise by serving as Narayanpet DCC president from 2022 until February 2024.
In the 2023 Assembly elections, Srihari contested from Makthal and defeated his nearest rival, Chittem Ram Mohan Reddy, by a margin of 17,525 votes.
For over 35 years, Srihari’s family has remained loyal to the Congress, enduring political upheavals while continuing to serve the party. His brother Sheshagiri too has been active in politics, serving as Makthal deputy sarpanch in 2006 and Mahbubnagar district Youth Congress vice president until 2014. Sheshagiri’s wife Radhika was elected as a municipal councillor in 2019 and served as Congress floor leader.
Srihari’s oath-taking as minister marks a new chapter in a life dedicated to public service, a testament to his unwavering commitment to the people of Makthal and Telangana.
