Uttam Kumar Reddy is the new TPCC chief Hyderabad, Feb 28 (INN): In a major political development, the Congress High Command has 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 minister in Kiran Kumar Reddy's cabinet in the undivided Andhra Pradesh. He is a retired fighter pilot of Indian Air Force. His selection for the post of TPCC President has come as a surprise for 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 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 has been 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. 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 is camping in New Delhi for the last five days, is now reportedly trying to get himself nominated for the post of MLC, which will fall vacant due to the retirement of D Srinivas next month. However, Srinivas himself is seeking re-nomination for the MLC post so as to continue as the CLP leader in Legislative Council.
News Posted: 28 February, 2015
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