From rebel to ruler: Revanth Reddy's path to power

The Telugu states have seen many Chief Ministers in the past, but few have life stories as inspirational as Revanth Reddy’s. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming the Chief Minister of Telangana is a testament to his resilience and determination. On the occasion of his birthday today, his first as the Chief Minister of Telangana, let’s take a brief look at Revanth’s remarkable rise to power.

Anumula Revanth Reddy was born on November 8, 1969, in Kondareddy Palli, in the former Mahboobnagar district (now Nagarkurnool, Telangana). He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Andhra Vidyalaya College, Osmania University, Hyderabad. A defining moment in his life was his marriage to Geetha Reddy, the niece of former minister Jaipal Reddy, which provided him with political connections that helped him establish himself in the political arena.

As a student, Revanth Reddy was an active member of the ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad), where he fought for student welfare. This fighting spirit carried into his political career, leading him to win as a ZPTC (Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency) representative from Midjil mandal as an independent candidate.

Few could have predicted that Revanth, a small-time ZPTC representative then, would go on to become the Chief Minister of Telangana in less than two decades. Revanth’s first major political breakthrough came with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which appointed him as an MLC (Member of the Legislative Council). This was soon followed by a meeting with Chandrababu Naidu, who recognized Revanth’s potential and entrusted him with key responsibilities within the party.

In 2009, Revanth was elected as an MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly) from Kodangal on behalf of the TDP, despite a strong wave of support for Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR) in that year’s election. After the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, Revanth won from Kodangal again in 2014 and served as the floor leader for the TDP in the Telangana assembly. However, his association with the TDP didn’t last long, as he shifted to the Congress in 2017. In a surprising turn, he lost the Kodangal seat in the 2018 election.

He then contested from Malkajgiri in 2019 and won, maintaining his active presence in politics. The turning point in his career came in 2023 when, as the president of the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC), Revanth led a determined campaign against then-Chief Minister KCR, ultimately unseating him. This feat propelled Revanth to the Chief Minister’s office, marking a significant milestone in his political journey. Arguably, the most defining moment in Revanth’s career was his arrest in 2015 in the “note-for-vote” case, which fueled his resolve to challenge KCR.

Following his release, he swiftly joined the Congress, built influence, and orchestrated a victorious campaign that culminated in his ascension to the Chief Minister’s role in 2023. Today, Revanth stands as the Chief Minister of Telangana, setting a new precedent in the state's political landscape.