Rift widens between Congress and CPI in Kothagudem

Congress workers in Kothagudem are increasingly unhappy with CPI MLA Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao, alleging mistreatment and exclusion from programmes. Tensions have grown, with Congress leaders claiming the CPI is distancing itself from the alliance and asserting dominance in the constituency.

Kothagudem: The alliance between the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Congress, forged ahead of the previous Assembly elections, appears to be on shaky ground.

Cracks first emerged during the ticket allocation process, when the Congress unit in Kothagudem opposed the decision to allot the seat to the CPI. Since then, friction between the two parties has continued, with Congress cadres expressing dissatisfaction over how the sitting MLA and his followers are treating them.

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Congress workers allege that CPI State secretary and Kothagudem MLA Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao has sidelined them, leaving them feeling alienated despite their party being in power. They claim they are not given due representation in local government programmes.

Adding to the strain, the MLA’s stand against Andhra Pradesh’s Banakacherla project and his recent comments suggesting the CPI might contest upcoming local body elections independently have further distanced the party from its alliance partner.

Locally, Congress members say their contributions during the Assembly elections, which helped secure Sambasiva Rao’s victory, are being overlooked. In one incident, former Congress councillors were allegedly snubbed by the MLA during a ration card distribution programme in Kothagudem. When they stepped onto the stage, the MLA reportedly intervened and stated it was an official programme, asking them to leave.

Tensions further escalated when former councillor Y Srinivas Reddy spoke to the media about welfare schemes. CPI leaders allegedly interrupted him, arguing there was no need as the MLA had already addressed the media.

Congress leaders Haimavathi, Ramadevi, and Vidya accused a CPI councillor of making caustic remarks against them. They said the matter would be brought to the attention of Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy.

The Congress cadre also alleged that the MLA and his associates were attempting to assert dominance in the constituency and were asking Congress aspirants for local body elections to join the CPI.