AICC reviews ULB polls success, flags caution on MIM factor

The All India Congress Committee (AICC) leadership’s comprehensive review on Telangana saw an interesting discussion on the role of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM), with senior leaders cautioning the Telangana unit against overtly displaying political closeness with the party.

The Congress leadership is said to have expressed concern that visible proximity to the MIM could strengthen the Bharatiya Janata Party in urban areas, especially ahead of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections.

Leaders reportedly advised that while tactical, local-level understanding with the MIM could be considered where electorally beneficial, it should not be allowed to reach a level where the BJP gains politically from it. At the same time, sources said the leadership felt it was too early for any formal discussion or decision on alliances.

The high-level meeting was chaired by AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. It was attended by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, his Cabinet colleagues, and TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud.

The meeting also discussed key political issues, with a focus on charting the road ahead after the party’s strong performance in the recent municipal elections. The issue of Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy, who is seeking the Ministerial berth given the earlier promise, also came up for discussion.

The leadership also flagged the twin challenges of the BJP and regional politics of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi, stressing the need for a combined approach in urban constituencies though it felt that the BRS was moving closer to the BJP.

Rahul praises Revanth

At the meeting, Mr. Rahul Gandhi is learnt to have praised Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for effectively containing the BJP in the municipal elections, despite the saffron party having a significant presence in Telangana in terms of 8 MPs and 8 MLAs.

A detailed PowerPoint presentation was also made on where the party strengthened from earlier positions and how the BJP was reduced to poor show due to the government’s policies.

Posting on X after the meeting, Mr Kharge said: “Our resolve for social welfare, economic empowerment, and justice for all remains firm and is reflected in our guarantees. We will continue striving to realise the aspirations of every citizen and build a truly inclusive Telangana.”

A few Ministers also shared their views personally with the party high command apart from being part of the combined meeting. Later, speaking to the media, TPCC president Mahesh Goud said organisational issues came up for discussion and nominated posts would be filled soon.