Revanth Reddy Assumes Office as Telangana’s Chief Minister; Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka Sworn in as Deputy
In a grand ceremony held at L. B. Stadium, Anumula Revanth Reddy was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Telangana on Thursday, with Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka taking the oath as his deputy. The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan in the presence of thousands of attendees.
Amidst enthusiastic cheers from his supporters, the 54-year-old Revanth Reddy became the second chief minister of India’s youngest state. Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, a prominent Dalit leader, assumed the role of Deputy Chief Minister, alongside ten ministers, including two women, who also took their oaths.
The swearing-in ceremony, initially scheduled for 1:04 p.m, faced a 15-minute delay due to traffic jams around the stadium as several VIPs were en route.
Revanth Reddy made a grand entrance into the stadium, accompanied by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, in a decorated open vehicle. Following the oath-taking, he approached Sonia Gandhi and respectfully touched her feet. The new Chief Minister also introduced his wife and other family members to top Congress leaders.
Among those attending the event were AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, K. C. Venugopal, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and other prominent Congress figures.
In the November 30 Assembly election, the Congress party secured victory, claiming 64 seats in the 119-member House, thereby displacing the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). Following a meeting of newly-elected MLAs on December 4, Mallikarjun Kharge was authorized to name the CLP leader. After consultations with central leaders, Revanth Reddy was officially announced as the CLP leader.
