T. Jeevan Reddy Quits Congress After 40 Years, Signals Rift in Telangana Unit

In a significant political development , senior Congress leader and former minister T. Jeevan Reddy has resigned from the party, ending a four-decade association . He announced his decision on Wednesday after a crucial meeting with supporters at the Jagtial district headquarters.

A veteran politician and six-time MLA , Jeevan Reddy stepped down from both his primary membership and his role in the AICC , formally submitting his resignation to party president Mallikarjun Kharge while informing the state leadership.

Explaining his decision, he expressed deep dissatisfaction with his role within the party. Despite the Congress being in power in Telangana , he said he had not experienced any sense of fulfilment. Over the past 20 months, he revealed, he had been undergoing mental distress due to a lack of recognition and respect. Emphasising self-respect , he stated that continuing in a space where his dignity was compromised was no longer acceptable.

His resignation is being seen as more than an individual exit, pointing to broader internal strains within the Telangana Congress. Political observers note that his dissatisfaction may also be linked to shifting power dynamics and the rising influence of new entrants from rival parties , which has caused unease among long-time loyalists.

Jeevan Reddy has been a key grassroots leader in north Telangana, particularly in the Jagtial region, with a strong support base built over decades. His political career includes serving as a minister in undivided Andhra Pradesh and playing a crucial role in strengthening the Congress at the district level.

Despite efforts by senior leaders to persuade him to reconsider, he is believed to have remained firm in his decision. Analysts warn that his exit could affect cadre morale and further expose party divisions , posing a challenge for the Congress leadership as it seeks to maintain unity while in power.

While speculation continues over his next political move, including a possible shift to another party, Jeevan Reddy has not made any announcement about his future plans. His departure, however, sends a strong signal about the growing tensions within the party and the challenges of balancing experience, loyalty, and evolving political equations.