Congress coordination panel draws scepticism from leaders in Telangana

The Congress high command’s decision to form a coordination committee in Telangana has sparked internal criticism, with leaders calling it ineffective and highlighting ongoing issues of poor coordination, dissatisfaction over nominations, and persistent factionalism within the party

Hyderabad: The Congress high command’s move to constitute an eight-member coordination committee for smooth functioning and coordination between the party and the State government has evoked strong reactions within the party, with many questioning its purpose and likely effectiveness.

In an order issued on Monday, AICC Telangana in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan stated that the AICC president had approved the constitution of the coordination committee. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha, Panchayat Raj Minister D Anasuya, Vamshichand Reddy and the AICC Telangana in-charge are members of the committee.

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However, senior leaders at Gandhi Bhavan are not convinced about the need for such a panel.

“This appears to be just an eyewash measure. There is lot of disappointment among leaders at the district level and even among MLAs. The move to constitute a committee looks just like to show the cadre that high command was focusing on Telangana affairs,” observed a senior leader from Gandhi Bhavan.

Many MLAs and DCC presidents have complained about a lack of coordination with Ministers. The nomination of Vem Narender Reddy as Rajya Sabha Member has left several senior leaders disappointed, while a constant tussle between loyal leaders and turncoat leaders continues to trouble the party.

Referring to former Minister T Jeevan Reddy’s plans to quit the Congress, the senior leader pointed out that a few committees such as the Advisory Committee, Delimitation Committee and Disciplinary Action Committee were constituted in the past.

“Did leaders or the party benefit out of these committees? The new coordination committee will not make any difference,” pointed out another leader.

Right from the AICC in-charge, TPCC president and a few Cabinet Ministers, all members of the committee have been involved in Telangana affairs for the past two years. They have been monitoring the functioning of party leaders during this period, yet complaints continue to persist, the leader added.