Congress leaders in a fix over high command’s strategic silence on Telangana unit affairs

Telangana Congress leaders are increasingly worried over the party high command’s silence amid controversies involving Cabinet Ministers, internal dissent and the Singareni tenders issue, with no visible intervention or corrective action despite mounting criticism and adverse reports

Hyderabad: Telangana Congress leaders are in a fix over the party high command’s strategic silence on State affairs. Despite a series of issues plaguing the State unit, and the Cabinet in particular, the Congress high command’s apparent lack of attention and intervention has left leaders increasingly worried.

There have been adverse reports against a few Cabinet Ministers, especially over their conduct and alleged involvement in irregularities. Last week, a couple of journalists were arrested by the police following a report on a vernacular news channel concerning a Minister’s conduct, while the Singareni tenders controversy has triggered a political storm in the State. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has openly condemned ABN Andhra Jyothy Managing Director Vemuri Radhakrishna’s allegations related to the tenders and has been demanding a clarification.

---

Apart from this, several loyal leaders have been voicing dissent over priority being accorded to turncoat MLAs and their followers in various matters. Former Minister Jeevan Reddy’s outburst after BRS MLA from Jagtial, Dr Sanjay, attended a party meeting at Gandhi Bhavan is one such instance.

Yet, there has been no visible action from the high command. When the Kancha Gachibowli lands destruction issue hit the headlines, AICC in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan had held a few meetings, including with a couple of Cabinet Ministers. She had also visited the University of Hyderabad and interacted with the students’ union and university staff.

In contrast, despite several issues troubling the Telangana unit, particularly following adverse reports against Cabinet Ministers and the Singareni tenders controversy, similar enthusiasm has been missing.

These developments, many Congress leaders feel, are damaging the party’s image in the State. Generally, when such issues surface, the party high command intervenes and seeks a report from the State leadership. However, there has not been any serious meeting or concrete action from the high command so far, a senior leader said.

Interestingly, reports have appeared in a section of the media about the possibility of Meenakshi Natarajan being replaced with a new leader.

Though TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud dismissed them as mere speculative reports, leaders continue to express concern over the state of affairs in the party and the lack of close monitoring by the high command.