If at all there is any leader in the Congress party in Telangana, who is more loyal than the king, it is former Rajya Sabha member V Hanumantha Rao.
A staunch loyalist of the Indira Gandhi family, VH has been associated with the Congress right from the beginning of his political career. Even when the party suffered heavy losses not only in Telangana, but all over the country, VH stood by the party leadership.
He used to simply pounce upon the critics of the party. He had been making every effort to highlight the party’s services to the nation by organizing Rajiv Sadbhavana Rally every year and Rath Yatras all over the state to revive the glory of the party.
But now, such a strong loyalist is very much frustrated so much so that he even hinted at quitting the Congress, snapping decades of his association with it.
“It looks like the days of Rajiv Gandhi are not there in the party. Only a few leaders like Koppula Raju in Delhi and Bhatti Vikramarka in Telangana are calling shots,” he lamented.
He said attempts were being made to kick him out of the party.
“What crime has I committed? Am I a thief, cheat or a rowdy? Why can’t I get party ticket for contesting the elections?” he asked.
VH regretted that despite several attempts, he was not getting audience from Rahul Gandhi.
“Whom should I approach to give vent to my grievances? Several senior leaders have already deserted the party. I will take a decision on whether to stay in or resign from the party after August 20,” he announced.