That the Congress will never learn from its mistakes and never realise that its own leaders are responsible for the party’s collapse is once again evident in Telangana on Saturday.
As if a series of defeats in the elections and a large number of defections to other parties is not enough, the so-called seniors of the Telangana Congress party on Saturday launched a campaign against their own party president in the state – A Revanth Reddy.
A group of senior Congress leaders met at the residence of Congress Legislature Party leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka in the afternoon announced that they represent “Original Congress,” while migrant leaders like Revanth Reddy are trying to usurp the party and destroy its roots.
They also announced launch of a “Save Congress Movement” to undo the damage caused to the party allegedly by the migrant leaders. They said they would take it up with the party high command to save the party.
PCC working president and Sangareddy MLA T Jayaprakash Reddy alias Jagga Reddy, former deputy chief minister Damodar Raj Narasimha, former PCC chief and Nalgonda MP N Uttam Kumar Reddy, former MP Madhu Yashki Goud, former MLA Yeleti Maheshwar Reddy, former minister M Kodanda Reddy and former MLC Premsagar Rao were among those who attended the meeting at Bhatti’s residence.
Interestigly, Congress MP from Bhongir Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, also extended his support to the seniors.
Vikramarka alleged that the migrant leaders were hatching conspiracies to destabilise the party. He pointed out that a lot of injustice was caused to genuine Congress leaders in the recent appointment of PCC executive committee.
He said he, too, was terribly disappointed for not being consulted before forming the PCC committees. The CLP leader said attempts were being made to hand over the party reigns to leaders who joined the Congress from other parties.
Uttam Kumar Reddy alleged that among 108 members appointed in different committees, 58 were from the TDP.
“How can a leader, who shifted four political parties, lead Congress transparently and with commitment,” he asked, referring to Revanth Reddy.
He alleged that the Congress party leaders were being defamed on social media deliberately by those in the party.
“This came to light when police raided Congress party strategist Sunil Kanugolu’s office. I fail to understand why the PCC or AICC has not taken any action,” he said.
Madhu Yaskhi Goud said characterless people were operating the party in the State. There was strong dissent between true Congress leaders and those who migrated from other parties, he said.
Jagga Redddy said the Congress workers who had been loyal to the party for several years were being sidelined.
“Instead, we are being branded as coverts,” he regretted.
Rajanarasimha said the developments and unrest in the State Congress would be taken up with the party high command.