Targeting Congress Through Revanth Reddy? Analysts See A Deeper BJP Strategy

Last Updated:June 13, 2026, 13:51 IST

Recent meetings and political exchanges have renewed attention on Revanth Reddy’s equation with PM Modi and his position within the Congress.

If an opposing camp is inherently weak but survives solely because of one strong leader, the first step towards defeating it is to separate that leader from the organisation. Once the pillar is removed, the structure collapses on its own, making victory easier. That is the essence of political strategy.

According to several political observers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears to be attempting a similar strategy in Telangana.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy was central not only to the Congress party’s victory in Telangana but also to sustaining the party after it came to power. Analysts believe that if a wedge can be driven between Revanth Reddy and the Congress high command, the BJP could significantly improve its prospects in the state.

Recent photographs of Modi and Revanth Reddy meeting after the NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi have only strengthened such speculation.

Analysing the body language in the photographs, noted psychologist Vangeepuram Srinivasa Chary, who has more than three decades of experience in psychological analysis, told News18: “With his head slightly bowed and a firm handshake, Revanth Reddy appears to project humility, respect and confidence. Narendra Modi, smiling and reinforcing the handshake with his other hand, conveys seniority, experience and statesmanship. Modi appears to be moderating Revanth Reddy’s adventurous political style. Such imagery poses a challenge for Congress leaders and provides encouragement to BJP workers. Modi seems to have a strong sense that Revanth Reddy is someone who can be engaged with."

The photographs have also sparked intense discussion on social media, with hundreds of posts and comments suggesting that Modi and Revanth Reddy are growing closer politically.

Meanwhile, the BJP has also attempted to project Revanth Reddy as being responsible for Congress Telangana in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan’s failure to secure a Rajya Sabha nomination. Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya recently claimed that information regarding issues involving Meenakshi Natarajan in Telangana had come from Congress leaders themselves. His remarks have triggered speculation, with suspicion in some quarters falling on Revanth Reddy.

Political observers also point out that Modi has repeatedly made remarks that create the impression that Revanth Reddy is not entirely hostile towards the BJP. During his visit to Hyderabad in May, Modi called for the two sides to work together. Earlier, during Modi’s visit to Telangana in March 2024, Revanth Reddy had referred to the Prime Minister as an “elder brother" and sought the Centre’s support for the state’s development.

As a result, every interaction between Modi and Revanth Reddy has fuelled speculation about an understanding between the two leaders. Opposition parties have gone further, alleging that the two are politically aligned.

BRS national spokesperson Manne Krishank told News18: “There is little doubt that Revanth Reddy and Narendra Modi are working in ways that benefit each other politically. Information regarding the Meenakshi Natarajan issue that helped the BJP could only have come from Revanth Reddy or his associates. If he is innocent, he should order an inquiry and prove it."

BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao has also alleged that the BJP and Modi are effectively running the Revanth Reddy government in Telangana.

Responding to a question from News18, he said: “Without cordial relations between them, how could the son of a Union minister have been protected for nine days after a POCSO case was registered? There is Modi’s government at the Centre and a ‘jodi’ government in Telangana. They are protecting each other. The Prime Minister himself alleged that Revanth Reddy was collecting RR Tax. Why was no action taken? Ultimately, it is Narendra Modi who is protecting Revanth Reddy."

Analysts believe that by targeting Revanth Reddy on the one hand while simultaneously projecting him as someone close to the BJP on the other, the party is attempting to widen the distance between the Telangana Chief Minister and the Congress leadership.

With the BJP aspiring to come to power in Telangana in the 2028 Assembly elections, many observers believe the party sees strategic value in weakening Revanth Reddy’s position within the Congress. The assumption appears to be that, without Revanth Reddy, the Congress currently lacks another leader of comparable stature in Telangana, potentially creating political space for the BJP’s growth.

Speaking to News18, political analyst Telakapalli Ravi said: “There is no need for Revanth Reddy to switch parties now. Even if he does, he would lose the Chief Minister’s post. But the BJP is willing to do whatever serves its political interests. As part of that strategy, it has successfully promoted the perception that Revanth Reddy enjoys cordial relations with the party."

Ravi also noted that Revanth Reddy had not strongly countered such narratives. “It appears that Revanth Reddy himself is trying to project these claims positively, perhaps to signal that he maintains good relations with everyone. Under the current circumstances, Revanth Reddy is one of the Congress’s most important assets in Telangana. Despite all the speculation, the Congress leadership is unlikely to distance itself from him," he said.

Regardless of how political equations evolve or what alliances emerge after future elections, analysts believe these developments should primarily be viewed as part of the larger game of political manoeuvring and counter-manoeuvring.

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