Jeevan Reddy defies party, campaigns for independent in Jagtial; Sanjay canvasses for Congress

Factionalism within the Congress party came to the fore in Jagtial municipality as senior leader and former Minister T Jeevan Reddy campaigned for independent candidate Neelam Latha while MLA Dr Sanjay, who defected from the BRS, campaigned for Congress nominees.

Karimnagar: Reflecting the simmering rivalry among Congress leaders, candidates and rebels, former Minister T Jeevan Reddy openly campaigned for an independent candidate in Jagtial municipality on Thursday.

Holding the Apple symbol placard of independent candidate Neelam Latha, the former Minister canvassed votes in the 33rd ward and urged people to support her, according to reports.

---

The former MLC has been at loggerheads with BRS turncoat MLA Dr Sanjay Kumar, who defected to the Congress party after the 2023 Assembly elections.

“I have been serving the Congress party for over 40 years. Setting aside loyal leaders, turncoats are being given priority and offered tickets. This is injustice I got after all these years,” Jeevan Reddy was quoted as saying.

The senior leader did not restrict his campaign to a single ward. He reportedly campaigned extensively in several wards and appealed to voters to support independent candidates contesting on different symbols, including an Air Conditioner.

On the other hand, Sanjay, who continues to claim that he remains associated with the BRS, campaigned for Congress candidates. Along with Congress nominees, he approached voters in the first and second wards.

“Please elect candidates who can work along with the State government. For Jagtial’s development, I am working with the State government,” Sanjay said, assuring that he would extend all support to senior leaders in the constituency.