Rajgopal Reddy firm on comments as TPCC chief warns of discipline

TPCC president B. Mahesh Kumar Goud criticised Munugode MLA Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy for publicly commenting against the Congress government, warning of strict disciplinary action. While Goud sought to downplay talk of differences between the party and the government, Rajgopal Reddy stood by his remarks, alleging growing dominance of outsiders in the Congress.

Hyderabad: TPCC president B. Mahesh Kumar Goud found fault with Munugode MLA Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy’s comments against the Congress government.

Goud said it was inappropriate for Rajgopal Reddy to speak publicly on issues concerning the party and the government. The party high command was aware of his comments, he said during an informal interaction with media persons here on Friday.

---

Goud said the party understood the Munugode MLA’s anguish. “We will take Rajgopal Reddy’s comments seriously. We will not tolerate anyone crossing the party line. We will be strict regarding discipline,” he said.

On the reported differences between the party and the government, particularly after the constitution of the coordination committee, Goud sought to play down the issue.

“Do not believe false narratives. The party will also play a role in major government decisions. We will move forward with coordination between the party and the government,” Goud said.

On the differences over the appointment of party office-bearers and Corporation chairpersons, the TPCC president said positions would be given only to capable individuals. “Regarding Chairman posts, 60 percent will be offered to veterans and 40 percent to newcomers,” Goud said.

However, Rajgopal Reddy stood by his comments and asserted that he would continue with the Congress party.

Speaking to media persons at Choutuppal, he maintained that he had never criticised the Congress party. “I shared my views that there is growing dominance of outsiders within the Congress party. This is leading to injustice against genuine Congress leaders and workers,” he said.

The Munugode MLA further said, “The Telangana movement was fought for self-respect. The Congress government must uphold the self-respect of the local people. The Telangana government should not be under the thumb of Seemandhra rulers or media.”

“The government must work for the poor; it should not serve the interests of contractors or capitalists,” he added.

Rajgopal Reddy stressed that it was not right for those who had joined the Congress from other parties to suppress, disrespect or humiliate existing members of the Congress party.