Uttam Kumar Reddy Is New Telangana PCC Chief

In a major political development, the Congress High Command replaced Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Ponnala Lakshmaiah with TPCC's working president N Uttam Kumar Reddy.

Uttam Kumar Reddy represents Huzurnagar constituency, and had served as a minister in Kiran Kumar Reddy's cabinet in the undivided Andhra Pradesh. He is a retired fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force.

His selection for the post of TPCC President has come as a surprise to many senior leaders in the party, especially those who were aspiring for the post.

Since K Jana Reddy is serving as the Leader of the Opposition, it was not likely that another leader from the Reddy community would be given the TPCC post. However, the Congress High Command took the decision in favour of Uttam Kumar Reddy, and the same was endorsed by AICC President Sonia Gandhi.

Meanwhile, sources said Uttam Kumar Reddy's selection for the post could also be an indication of a change in the Congress Legislature Party. The present CLP secretary Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka could now replace Jana Reddy as the CLP leader, although a senior TPCC leader dismissed such speculations.

Ponnala, who has been camping in New Delhi for the last five days, is now reportedly trying to get himself nominated for the MLC post that will fall vacant due to the retirement of D Srinivas next month. However, Srinivas himself is seeking re-nomination for that post so as to continue as the CLP leader in the Legislative Council. (INN)