Gajwel Congress factions at war as observer Mynampally Hanumantha Rao fuels fresh controversy

Factional infighting in Congress’ Gajwel unit has intensified with observer Mynampally Hanumantha Rao’s entry. Accused of fuelling group rivalry and harbouring political ambitions, Mynampally now faces backlash from Narsa Reddy’s camp, putting party unity and poll prospects at risk

Siddipet: In a twist that has left party cadres anxious, senior Congress leader and Gajwel constituency observer Mynampally Hanumantha Rao, tasked with resolving factional disputes, has reportedly ended up intensifying the rift between two powerful groups within the party.

Amid long-standing differences between groups led by former MLA Tumukunta Narsa Reddy and senior leader Bandaru Srikanth Rao, the AICC appointed Mynampally as an observer to defuse tensions. However, rather than calming tempers, his presence has only widened the divide.

---

Following Mynampally’s entry, Narsa Reddy’s supporters strongly opposed his outreach to rival leaders. Accusing him of favouring anti-Narsa Reddy factions, they lodged multiple complaints with the party high command, demanding that Mynampally be barred from entering the constituency, branding him a “non-local”.

Since the formation of the Congress government in 2023, Narsa Reddy has managed to secure key nominated posts for his loyalists, including the chairmanships of the Gajwel, Vantimamidi, and Kondapak market committees, positions seen as markers of influence and local clout.

However, Mynampally’s supporters have raised serious allegations, claiming that these chairpersons spent large sums of money to obtain the posts. The accusations triggered sharp reactions, prompting Gajwel market committee chairman Narendar Reddy, Vantimamidi chairman Vijaya, and Kondapak chairman Srinivas Reddy to swear their innocence by making a public pledge on a Venkateshwara Swamy idol.

The trio held a press conference in Gajwel, denying the bribery claims and demanding action against Mynampally for what they termed as defamatory insinuations.

Meanwhile, Narsa Reddy’s camp suspects a larger political ambition behind Mynampally’s actions, alleging that he is preparing to contest from Gajwel in the next Assembly elections and is actively blocking key appointments for their group.

The feud comes at a time when the party high command is attempting to consolidate its base in Gajwel, seen as a high-stakes battleground with BRS president and former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao having represented the seat for three consecutive terms.

Party cadre on the ground fear that the infighting could severely dent the Congress’ prospects in the upcoming local body elections and derail efforts to challenge the BRS stronghold. Despite efforts to reconcile the groups, the bitterness has only deepened, undermining the party’s image in the politically crucial constituency.