What started as a celebratory gathering turned into a sobering exercise for Congress leaders visiting Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on New Year’s Day. While the MLAs and ministers expected festive greetings, they instead received a dose of tough love. Revanth, in his matter-of-fact style, revealed that he had compiled performance reports for all ministers and MLAs over the past year. He casually informed them that these evaluations would soon be shared, adding that their political futures depended on their ability to address any shortcomings. While some appreciated the wake-up call, others questioned the timing, given they had travelled long distances to greet him. “We came to spread New Year cheer, not to be graded like students,” muttered a shaken MLA as he exited Revanth’s residence. The CM’s revamped approach, inspired by his own self-assessment, has clearly left party members uneasy as they brace for their upcoming “report cards.” Will Rao Get His Extended Run? Bureaucratic Chess BeginsThe corridors of Telangana’s Secretariat are buzzing with speculation as K. Ramakrishna Rao, finance special chief secretary, emerges as a frontrunner for the Chief Secretary’s post after A. Santhi Kumari retires in April. The twist? Rao himself is set to retire in August, which would make his term just four months long — unless he can pull off an extension. Sources say Rao is looking to follow Andhra Pradesh’s example, where Chief Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad recently secured a six-month extension. Rao is reportedly urging CM Revanth Reddy to lobby with the Centre for a similar deal, ensuring his tenure lasts at least three or six more months. While Rao’s manoeuvring has sparked intrigue, critics argue that stretching tenure norms for bureaucrats might set a questionable precedent. All eyes are now on whether the state government will play along with Rao’s gambit.Telangana’s Rs 800-Crore Cheers: ‘Liquor Day’ Lives Up to Its NameAs the clock struck midnight on December 31, Telangana’s revellers raised their glasses high, ushering in the New Year in style — and in staggering numbers. The state’s “spirited” nickname, ‘State Liquor Day,’ proved accurate, with sales from December 30 and 31 alone crossing Rs 800 crore. From local toddy to imported whiskey, the State Beverages Corporation ensured there was no shortage of supply, and the excise department reaped the benefits. Teetotallers may have wrinkled their noses, but for liquor vendors and pubs it was a bonanza. The year-end demand created an unprecedented rush, with Hyderabad leading the charge. While the revelry may have left many residents nursing hangovers, the government coffers had plenty to celebrate. The only question lingering: is the nickname here to stay?Potholes vs. Pot: Andhra’s Roads Slow Down Ganja SmugglersAndhra Pradesh’s infamous potholes may be a curse for regular commuters, but they’ve turned into an unlikely ally for law enforcement. Recent police operations reveal that the bumpy roads in some parts of the state are proving effective in slowing down ganja smugglers, making it easier for cops to intercept their vehicles.“Compared to Odisha’s smooth roads, which are a getaway gift for criminals, our potholes are practically speed-breakers for smugglers,” a senior police officer joked after a recent bust. While locals continue to grumble about the state of their roads, law enforcement is quietly appreciating the unintended benefits. For smugglers, it’s clear: driving a loaded van over Andhra’s pothole-ridden highways is no longer a smooth ride.From IAS Dreams to Political Nightmares: Md Imtiaz Ahmed’s FallOnce a respected senior IAS officer, Md Imtiaz Ahmed’s leap into politics seems to have landed him in the wilderness. After throwing his lot in with the YSRC before the last elections, Ahmed’s political career lasted a mere three months, with the party losing the polls. Disillusioned, Ahmed is now keeping a low profile, avoiding both bureaucratic and political circles. His quick exit has raised eyebrows in Andhra’s bureaucratic circles. “It’s almost as if he went from IAS glory to political oblivion overnight,” remarked a colleague. The irony isn’t lost on those who once joked about the invisibility of IAS officers before sunrise and after sunset — Ahmed seems to have taken the phrase literally, retreating into a post-defeat “Incognito After Setback” mode.Naidu Brews Coffee — and Social Justice— in a Tiny KitchenAndhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu recently surprised a couple in Yelamanda, Palnadu district, with a heartwarming gesture. During a visit to deliver their welfare pension, Naidu ventured into the couple’s modest kitchen and prepared a cup of coffee. In a moment that delighted both the couple and onlookers, he then shared the coffee with them, adding a personal touch to the official visit. The couple, Talari Saramma and Yedukondalu, were both nervous and overjoyed by the CM’s impromptu act. While the taste of Naidu’s coffee remains a topic of lighthearted debate, his visit underscored his commitment to connecting directly with the people. For this leader from Kuppam, brewing a cup of coffee was just one more way to serve.Contributed by Laxmi Pranathi, L. Venkat Ram Reddy, P.V. Prasad, Sampat G. Samritan, and Neeraj Kumar
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