- Power Struggles Weaken Telangana OilFed
- New Power Centres Rise… ED and OSD Act as Surveillance Agents
Article Today, Hyderabad:
The role of General Manager (GM) Sudhakar Reddy in Telangana Oil Federation (Oilfed) has been significantly reduced. His administrative powers were curtailed, and he was abruptly transferred to the Narmetta palm oil factory in Siddipet district. This transfer, to a post that officially does not exist, has drawn sharp criticism. Employees argue that this is not just an internal issue but a move that could harm the interests of the entire organization.
Attempt to Marginalize a Key Post
In Oilfed, the GM’s position is usually considered highly important, operating closely with the Managing Director (MD) from the headquarters in Hyderabad. However, recent decisions have attempted to push the GM into a sidelined role. By transferring him to a remote factory under construction, the management effectively stripped him of influence. When Sudhakar Reddy questioned higher authorities about the transfer, the decision was temporarily halted, sources say. Allegedly, two senior officers, including one with vast experience, played key roles in this plot to marginalize the GM.
New Power Centres Rise
At the heart of this power shift are two new officials: the Executive Director (ED) and Officer on Special Duty (OSD). Both were recently appointed and are reportedly working under the direct influence of a senior agriculture department official. Their growing control within the organization has become evident. These two officers were granted unusual privileges, including priority protocols and special accommodation facilities.
GM’s Authority Undermined on the Ground
The situation worsened to the point where the GM’s authority was ignored by contractors at the Narmetta factory. Even when he sought updates on the factory’s progress, contractors refused to acknowledge his role. This exclusion has reportedly caused him severe mental stress. Meanwhile, the officials, who should be working together, are locked in power struggles and mutual blame games, widening internal divisions.
ED and OSD Act as Surveillance Agents
Senior employees allege that the ED and OSD are functioning as informal surveillance agents. “They track our movements, question our decisions, and even interfere in daily tasks,” one senior officer stated. This constant monitoring is reportedly disrupting critical operations, particularly at a time when Oil Fed is working to expand palm oil cultivation across Telangana. These practices, they say, are part of a deliberate plan to weaken the organization’s structure.
Growing Frustration within OilFed
Insiders claim that the senior agriculture official pushing these changes has a history of mismanaging key projects. Now, there are concerns that a similar fate awaits Oil Fed. Employees believe that the entire process is aimed at destabilizing the corporation. “We are protesting this parallel system forced upon us,” a senior officer remarked, accusing the leadership of creating confusion and delay.
MD’s Inability Sparks Further Concern
Managing Director Yasmin Basha, despite holding an IAS position, has reportedly failed to control the situation. She is said to be under immense political pressure and unable to confront senior officials or the dominant forces within Oil Fed. Even in minor decisions, such as handling outsourcing staff transfers, she has lost her influence. An incident from seven months ago where an outsourcing employee’s transfer was blocked by an influential insider further highlighted her diminishing authority.
A Crisis of Leadership and Integrity
Employees now worry that the increasing interference and internal power games will severely impact the organization’s progress. With the GM’s role reduced to a mere figurehead and decision-making increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few, the core functioning of Telangana Oil Fed stands compromised. Senior officials stress that if this situation continues unchecked, the larger goal of boosting palm oil production and farmer welfare in Telangana could be seriously undermined.
