Published Nov 02, 2026 | 9:30 AM ⚊ Updated Nov 02, 2026 | 9:30 AM
The 1 November rally in Delhi underscored that the Opposition alliance could still mobilise collective political strength. (@INCIndia/X)
Synopsis: The Congress in Telangana must understand that national political relevance depends on credibility at the state level. If it wants to question alleged electoral manipulation, it must practice transparency. If it demands accountability from the Centre, it must accept accountability at home. If it opposes family dominance, it must dispel every perception of preferential treatment to political families. If it defends democratic values, it must demonstrate discipline and dignity in public life.
The INDIA bloc’s 1 November rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi was undoubtedly an impressive demonstration of Opposition unity. The participation of prominent national leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Mamata Banerjee and Akhilesh Yadav, demonstrated that despite internal contradictions, the Opposition alliance could still mobilise collective political strength. Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s participation also projected the state Congress leadership as an important component of the Opposition’s national campaign.
The Opposition came together in its fight against SIR irregularities. (@INCIndia/X)
But an impressive mobilisation in Delhi should not become an occasion for Telangana Congress to celebrate without examining its own political weaknesses. In fact, the rally should serve as a moment of serious introspection. A party that questions democratic institutions and electoral accountability at the national level must be equally prepared to examine its own standards of governance, political conduct and public accountability.
Telangana Congress came to power in December 2023 with enormous public expectations. Its victory represented more than the rejection of the BRS government. It reflected people’s aspirations for a different political culture, transparent administration, welfare delivery, employment opportunities and an end to the alleged misuse of public authority. Nearly three years into its tenure, the government has achievements to highlight. Yet, the growing perception of overconfidence among sections of the ruling leadership is becoming a political liability.
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One of the most disturbing developments is the tendency to treat criticism as hostility. Political opponents, dissatisfied citizens and even voices from within the Congress are sometimes viewed as adversaries rather than stakeholders in a democratic system. An electoral mandate is an opportunity to serve, not a licence to silence criticism. People voted for change, not for another version of political arrogance.
Revanth Reddy at the rally in Delhi on 1 November. (@Congress4TS/X)
Corruption allegations have also become a serious challenge to the government’s credibility. The controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in the Radial Road-2 tender process, including claims of a 15 per cent commission demand, requires a transparent explanation.
Similarly, allegations concerning the allotment of five acres of government land to Tesseract Advanced Systems, a company reportedly linked to the chief minister’s brother, for ₹7 crore despite claims that the land was worth approximately ₹200 crore, cannot simply be dismissed as political propaganda. These are allegations, not established findings of wrongdoing, but their seriousness demands clear answers and impartial scrutiny.
The question of family influence in political and economic affairs is particularly sensitive. Congress built much of its political argument against the previous BRS government around allegations of family dominance, concentration of power and land accumulation by politically influential families. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy himself raised serious allegations about government land around the Erravalli farmhouse and the former ruling family’s landholdings. Those allegations also require verification through due process. But Congress cannot apply one standard to its opponents and another to allegations involving families connected with its own leadership. Public land, government contracts and investment concessions must be governed by transparent rules, not political proximity or family connections.
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Indiscipline within the party is another growing concern. Public disagreements, factional rivalries, personal attacks and competing power centres have repeatedly exposed the absence of a cohesive political culture. The controversies involving Minister Konda Surekha and senior leader G Chinna Reddy, followed by Surekha’s removal from the Cabinet, illustrate how internal differences can escalate into organisational crises. Such episodes damage the party’s image and divert attention from governance.
Equally damaging is the increasing use of abusive, disparaging, and unnecessarily provocative language by leaders in positions of responsibility. The chief minister himself cannot remain outside this scrutiny. His description of Congress workers as an “army of monkeys” and his comparison of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Ravana during the 1 November political mobilisation raise questions about the dignity expected of a constitutional office-holder. Political criticism can be sharp without becoming demeaning. A chief minister’s language carries institutional weight and sets the tone for the entire administration. Political rhetoric should not excuse abandoning public decorum.
The six guarantees remain central to the Congress’s political credibility. Their implementation has made progress, but concerns over eligibility, delays, coverage, and whether benefits are actually reaching households persist. Farmers expect dependable support, unemployed youth seek meaningful employment, and women and economically weaker sections expect timely delivery of promised assistance. These concerns cannot be addressed through political speeches or publicity campaigns alone.
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The Congress must also recognise that a leader’s popularity cannot substitute for a strong party organisation. Ministers, legislators and district-level leaders should remain accessible. Grassroots workers must feel valued, and young leadership must receive genuine opportunities. Political authority should be distributed through organisational responsibility rather than personal proximity.
Telangana Congress must understand that national political relevance is sustained by state-level credibility.
The Delhi rally demonstrated the strength of collective opposition. But Telangana Congress must understand that national political relevance is sustained by state-level credibility. If it wants to question alleged electoral manipulation, it must practice transparency. If it demands accountability from the Centre, it must accept accountability at home. If it opposes family dominance, it must dispel every perception of preferential treatment to political families. If it defends democratic values, it must demonstrate discipline and dignity in public life.
Delhi may have witnessed an impressive opposition rally. Telangana now needs an even more impressive exercise in political self-correction. The greatest challenge before the Congress is not merely defeating its opponents; it is ensuring that the party does not become a victim of its own arrogance, contradictions, corruption allegations and unfulfilled expectations.
(Views are personal. Edited by Majnu Babu).
