Jeevan Reddy quits Congress

Former minister and senior Congress leader Jeevan Reddy from Jagitial district has resigned from the Congress Party, ending a political association of four decades. Despite repeated efforts by party leaders, including AICC and PCC officials, to persuade him to stay, Jeevan Reddy decided to step down after a key meeting with his supporters and local workers. His resignation letter was officially sent to both the AICC and PCC offices.

Jeevan Reddy expressed deep disappointment over his treatment within the party, saying that even if Congress comes to power in Telangana, it failed to give him any satisfaction. He revealed that he has endured severe mental stress for the past 20 months and felt unrecognized and humiliated. According to him, continuing in a place where self-respect is denied is worse than leaving the party.

He openly criticized Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, alleging that the party lost critical parliamentary seats due to his decisions. He cited the Secunderabad defeat, claiming that nominating BRS Party candidates over Congress-backed leaders was a major reason. Similarly, the Chevella parliamentary seat, initially planned for Sunita Mahender Reddy, was later given to BRS Party nominee Ranjith Reddy, which, according to Jeevan Reddy, led to Congress losing Chevella, Secunderabad, and Mahbubnagar constituencies.

Jeevan Reddy insisted that he has always preferred to fight rather than submit. He recalled his political journey from joining Congress in 1984, facing wins and losses, and serving as the lone voice in the Legislative Council during difficult times. 

He highlighted his work protecting party workers’ rights and fighting against injustices, including internal harassment, administrative neglect, and delayed appointments in Market Committees and government advisory posts.

He questioned the party’s failure to uphold workers’ rights, stating that even when party supporters were harmed, leaders failed to intervene. He criticized the influence of outsiders in party decisions and expressed disappointment that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s interventions often undermined grassroots leaders. Jeevan Reddy stressed that he never sought to become Chief Minister but expected respect and support for his decades of service.

Thousands of supporters, including district and mandal leaders, women leaders, youth Congress members, municipal chairs, and party workers, joined him in the protest. 

They staged symbolic rituals at temples, marched through local markets, and publicly handed over their party memberships in solidarity. Many workers were visibly emotional, shedding tears in support of Jeevan Reddy.

Jeevan Reddy’s resignation represents a significant setback for Congress in Telangana, particularly in Jagitial, where he has long been a unifying figure. He vowed to continue his fight for development, justice, and workers’ rights, calling on supporters to join him in defending these principles. “I am not stepping away from the fight; I am stepping away from neglect and humiliation,” he said, urging others to prioritize self-respect over positions.

Supporters pledged to follow him in his future initiatives, emphasizing that Jeevan Reddy’s leadership and vision remain central to the region’s political landscape. 

The episode marks a critical moment in Congress politics, signaling growing discontent among veteran leaders over party neglect and leadership decisions.