Uttam can hardly play on faction ridden turf

Nalgonda: Though considered not controversial, Capt. Uttam Kumar Reddy is not known to be capable of rallying all factions in the party in Nalgonda district. He may encounter problems, particularly from the seniors who may indulge in one-upmanship.

Since his political entry in 1994, he has been overshadowed by the seniors in the districts viz., Jana Reddy, Damodar Reddy and Komatireddy Venkat Reddy.

Though, he has served as the Public Accounts Chairman and Chairman of 610 GM Implementation Committee, Uttam Kumar's ministerial hopes have not fructified for long.

After 2009 polls, only Venkat Reddy was considered for ministership, dashing the hopes of others. After YSR's demise, Jana Reddy could checkmate Venkat Reddy and become a Minister.

Meanwhile, Uttam Kumar tried to get into the good books of the high command; his efforts paid when he was asked to represent Telangana Congress at the hearings conducted by Justice Srikrishna Committee.

With Kiran Kumar Reddy becoming the Chief Minister, Uttam Kumar, a close associate of Kiran Kumar, is considered a prospective candidate for a Cabinet berth. Venkat Reddy's quitting the Cabinet over the Telangana issue has further improved his prospects.

Finally, his close pal rewarded him with a ministership for the medical education portfolio. Though, Damodar Reddy too keenly aspired ministership, Uttam Kumar's close proximity to the CM punctured his dreams.

Apart from two ministers representing Nalgonda district now, there would not be a great change in the fortunes of the Congress party there, observers say.

Fissures within the party would only grow as Venkat Reddy had said on several occasions that Uttam Kumar Reddy was trying for ministership in his place.

All the four leaders are seen to treading different paths in the district and a coordinated and concerted attack on the opposition appears remote, as such. The observers opine that making Uttam Kumar a Minister would only exacerbate the situation in the district.

The only saving grace would be that the Congress can hope to consolidate itself in Uttam Kumar's Huzur Nagar constituency and also in his previous constituency Kodada.

Already, rumours are rife that Uttam Kumar is looking back to his old constituency which he has nurtured carefully.

His inaccessibility to the cadres in Huzur Nagar constituency only adds weight to such a belief. He may not get desired support from other senior leaders in the district, especially in the constituencies of their followers.

Uttam Kumar Reddy also faces a strong criticism that he has not attended the District Review Committee (DRC) meetings even once since 2009. As such, analysts express apprehensions whether he would evince keen interest in the development of the district.