Hyderabad: Senior Congress leader and Munugode MLA Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy strongly criticized Kalvakuntla Kavitha for her remarks against her father and former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao.
The issue, which initially drew limited political response, has now gained traction with sharp reactions emerging from the Congress camp. While Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had earlier called on KCR to respond to the allegations made by his daughter, Rajagopal Reddy's remarks reflect a more emotional and critical stance within the Telangana Congress.
Kavitha's recent comments, in which she described the present KCR as a changed leader compared to his role during the Telangana agitation, have stirred debate across political and public platforms. Her remarks portraying him as disconnected and influenced by close aides quickly became a talking point in both state and national discourse.
`Personal criticism undermines political credibility'
Reacting strongly, Rajagopal Reddy said Kavitha's comments were not only inappropriate but also disrespectful to a leader widely regarded as a central figure in the Telangana statehood movement. He expressed that her criticism, especially during her first public meeting after launching the Telangana Rashtra Sena, reflected poor political judgment.
He remarked that a daughter publicly criticizing her father at such a critical juncture sends a negative message to the public. According to him, respect for family, particularly for a figure like KCR, is closely watched by the electorate, and such statements could erode public trust. He went a step further, questioning how a leader who disrespects her own father could expect to become "Telangana Amma" and earn emotional acceptance from the people.
The Congress leader also cautioned against bringing internal family disputes into the political arena. He suggested that any grievances Kavitha holds, particularly involving her brother, should be aimed at the sibling rather than faulting her own father, which is incorrect. Such actions, he argued, dilute the seriousness of political discourse.
Questions over Political Timing and Credibility
Rajagopal Reddy also aimed at Kavitha's decision to float a new political party, dismissing it as lacking seriousness. He described the move and even the choice of the party name as "laughable," asserting that launching a party requires ideological clarity and grassroots strength, not merely financial backing.
He further pointed to the unresolved legal issues surrounding Kavitha, noting that her name has not yet been cleared in the Delhi liquor controversy. This, he implied, raises questions about the timing and intent behind her political entry.
In a sharp political jab, Rajagopal Reddy compared her attempt to form a party to casually setting up a small Pan shop, underscoring his view that politics demands far greater credibility and public connection. He also challenged her electoral viability, claiming that if she contests independently, she would struggle to secure even the minimum required votes to retain her deposit.
Pinning hopes on Cabinet berth
On his own political future, Rajagopal Reddy expressed confidence in the Congress high command, stating that he had been assured a cabinet position. He indicated that a cabinet expansion is likely after the results of the upcoming assembly elections in five states and reiterated his commitment to fulfilling any responsibility entrusted to him.