The indifferent attitude of the Congress leadership in lifting the suspension on veteran Congress leader from Khammam Jalagam Prasada Rao, despite clearance by the party high command in Delhi, is going to cost the party heavily in the district.
Jalagam Prasada Rao, son of late chief minister Vengal Rao, was suspended from the party long ago for anti-party activities. However, he had been making serious attempts to get back into active Congress politics.
The high command, too, gave the green signal to lift the suspension, but the Telangana PCC did not act on it.
Having no other option, Jalagam sent feelers to the Telangana Rashtra Samithi expressing his desire to join the party.
TRS minister from Khammam Tummala Nageshwara Rao quickly entered the scene and cleared the decks for his entry into the TRS.
In the meantime, the PCC woke up from its slumber and on Friday, it issued a statement stating that the suspension on Jalagam had been lifted and he would be welcomed back into the party.
But by that time, the damage was already done and Jalagam made up his mind to join the TRS. He ignored all the attempts of the PCC leaders to get in touch with him.
Jalagam had earlier represented Sathupalli and has huge fan following both in the party workers and also the people.
Though he has not been active for over two decades, he always maintained cordial relationship with the cadre. Naturally, it was a shock for the Congress and the party workers.
His followers have now made it clear that they would follow in his footsteps. Local youth and party leaders in the constituency are also expected to support him.
So, it will be a big loss for the Congress!