Article Today, Hyderabad:
After lying low for several months, former Director of Public Health, Dr. G. Srinivas Rao, is set to make a comeback. From September 21 to 29, he has scheduled Bathukamma festivities in Kothagudem, where he will distribute silk sarees daily to selected participants. His move is seen as an attempt to reconnect with the public ahead of the next elections.
Past in the Health Department
Dr. Srinivas Rao held a prominent role in the health administration during the previous government. He was removed from his position after the Congress came to power and was demoted to a junior post, following allegations of irregularities. Feeling sidelined, he opted for voluntary retirement. During the BRS government, he had sought a party ticket from Kothagudem but was unsuccessful. He was known for running activities through the GSR Trust, established in his father’s name, but his political aspirations remained unfulfilled.
Influence During the Pandemic
His tenure as Director coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic, when he came into public prominence. Critics allege he exercised complete control over the department, often described as his personal domain. Despite not having prior experience at higher administrative levels, he was elevated to the post of Director, which drew attention. Following the change of government, he was shifted to a district-level post before retiring.
Political Ambitions in Kothagudem
Observers note that Dr. Srinivas Rao has been focused on the Kothagudem constituency for several years. Through the GSR Trust, he organised job fairs, medical camps, and social programmes, spending significant resources. His criticisms of the then sitting legislator sparked controversies, as officials are generally expected to remain apolitical. Nevertheless, he continued his activities, confident of political backing at the time.
Questions on Re-entry
Speculation surrounds his current re-entry. During his tenure, his office in Hyderabad was often seen as a political hub for Kothagudem, with allegations that staff were deployed for local events. Despite lobbying with BRS leadership earlier, he failed to secure a ticket. Later, he reached out to Congress leaders, even applying for the Khammam Lok Sabha seat. However, those efforts did not materialise. Now, political circles suggest that his renewed activity in Kothagudem may once again have the backing of the BRS, with an eye on securing a party nomination for the next Assembly elections.
