Nalgonda: Congress MLA from Munugode, Komatireddy Raj Gopal Reddy, on Sunday alleged that senior leaders within the party, including former minister K. Jana Reddy, were creating hurdles in his bid to secure a Cabinet position.

Speaking to the media after attending the swearing-in ceremony of the agricultural market committee at Chityal, Raj Gopal Reddy claimed that Jana Reddy, who held ministerial positions for three decades, had failed to advocate for representation from Ranga Reddy and Hyderabad districts during his tenure. “Now, he raises his voice for inclusion from those regions, which is ironic,” Raj Gopal Reddy remarked, taking a satirical dig at the senior leader.

He further accused certain leaders of acting like “Dhritarashtra” — a blind king from the Mahabharata — by obstructing his efforts to gain a Cabinet berth.

Defending the demand for a Cabinet role, Raj Gopal Reddy questioned, “What’s wrong with two brothers being in the Cabinet when cricketers like Yusuf Pathan and Irfan Pathan have represented India together?”

He clarified that while he is not someone who chases positions, the prevailing political atmosphere had compelled him to appeal to the party high command for a Cabinet role. “A ministerial post is not a crown, but a responsibility to serve the people,” he said, adding that capability should be the key criterion for the selection.

Meanwhile, support poured in for Raj Gopal Reddy’s inclusion in the Cabinet from other MLAs of the erstwhile Nalgonda district.

Nakrekal MLA Vemula Veeresham expressed willingness to sign a representation advocating Raj Gopal Reddy’s inclusion, describing him as a leader who blends politics with social service. He said the Congress government would become stronger with Raj Gopal Reddy in the Cabinet.

Bhongir MLA Khumbam Anil Kumar echoed the sentiment, stating that Raj Gopal Reddy enjoys the support of several MLAs from the Nalgonda region and beyond and deserves a place in the state Cabinet.