Bhatti Vikramarka not being made CM was ‘disappointing’, says Telangana DyCM’s wife

Bhatti Vikramarka's wife Nandini revealed the intense disappointment she felt when the anticipated moment didn't materialise.

ByRaj Rayasam

Published Jan 09, 2024 | 11:36 AMUpdatedJan 09, 2024 | 12:04 PM

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and his wife Nandini. (Sourced)

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka’s wife, Nandini, has kicked up a storm by candidly sharing her emotions about her husband not being chose as the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader — effectively the prospective chief minister — by the party high command in Delhi following the recent Assembly elections.

Speaking to a YouTube channel, Nandini revealed the intense disappointment she felt when the anticipated moment, wherein Vikramarka would be declared the chief minister, didn’t materialise.

“We were sitting before the television to hear the announcement. But when his name was not announced, my blood ran cold. I felt as though the sky had fallen on me,” she said, recalling the day Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal unveiled the CLP leader.

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‘Felt depressed’

She recalled how party workers invested their efforts in the election in the belief that Vikramarka was destined to be the chief minister, given his vision, commitment, and experience.

“When his name was not announced, I went outside, feeling depressed. I returned home after pulling myself together. I reconciled with the fact that this was not the time to rebel but be content with what the party has given us,” she said.

Reflecting on his commitment to public service and loyalty to the Congress, Nandini emphasised that if he had been appointed chief minister, the entire state, not just his home constituency of Madhira or his home district of Khammam, would have thrived.

“He worked hard for the welfare of the people for the last 10 years when the BRS was in power. The going was tough for him but he held his ground,” she said.

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Digs at Ponguleti and Thummala

Nandini took a dig at “parachute” leaders (those joining the Congress just before elections), advising them to be content with the ministerial positions they were allocated.

Alluding indirectly to Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy and Thummala Nageswara Rao, she remarked that they were brought into the party because of their stature. Ultimately, it was the hard work of the Congress workers that led to their election victories, she stated.

In a subtle manner, Nandini hinted at her aspiration for a Congress ticket for the Khammam Lok Sabha seat. She mentioned rumours circulating about her potential candidacy in the parliamentary election, “If the people genuinely wish for me to contest for the Lower House, no one can hinder them.”