Rajgopal Reddy, Mandula Samuel trade barbs in fresh Congress row

A fresh rift has erupted in the Nalgonda Congress unit as Tungaturthy MLA Mandula Samuel and Munugode MLA Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy traded allegations over development issues and political interference. Rajgopal accused Samuel of turning against him despite his support during elections, while Samuel dismissed the claims and warned against derogatory remarks.

Nalgonda: Just as the differences between supporters of Tungaturthy MLA Mandula Samuel and Bhongir MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy appeared to have subsided, a fresh controversy has erupted in the Nalgonda Congress unit.

This time, the dispute is between Tungaturthy MLA Mandula Samuel and Munugode MLA Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy. The two leaders traded charges over the lack of development in Tungaturthy and Nakrekal constituencies and allegations of interference in other Assembly segments.

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The controversy began after Rajgopal Reddy attended a meeting with people affected by land acquisition for the Regional Ring Road at the Yadadri Bhongir District Collector’s office.

Later, speaking to the media, Rajgopal Reddy said he had personally persuaded the Congress high command to allot the party ticket to Mandula Samuel during the Assembly elections.

“He repeatedly approached me for support. I campaigned extensively in Tungaturthy and Nakrekal constituencies and worked for his victory. After winning the election, Mandula Samuel has started speaking against me,” Rajgopal Reddy alleged.

He said loyal Congress leaders had been facing difficulties because of turncoat leaders and MLAs and added that the issue had already been brought to the notice of the party’s State leadership.

Rajgopal Reddy apologised to Congress workers who had campaigned for Mandula Samuel at his request. “I realized that the party had given the ticket to the wrong person. I urge party workers to remain patient and not react emotionally to Samuel’s remarks” he said.

Responding strongly, Mandula Samuel said Nalgonda was not Rajgopal Reddy’s fiefdom.

The Tungaturthy MLA said he had won the election with a majority of 50,000 votes and had never pleaded for Rajgopal Reddy’s support. He advised the Munugode MLA to focus on the development of his own constituency.

Referring to Rajgopal Reddy’s criticism that Tungaturthy and Nakrekal were lagging in development, Samuel said he too had received reports indicating that the situation in Munugode was no better.

He warned Rajgopal Reddy against making derogatory remarks about him, the people of Tungaturthy and the downtrodden, and said he would respond strongly if such comments continued.