Internal bickering once again came to the fore in Telangana Congress. A meeting of the party at Gandhi Bhavan on September 9 to discuss preparations for the ensuing GHMC elections was marred by heated exchanges between party senior leaders Dasoju Sravan and Niranjan. The clash took place in the presence of Pradesh Congress President N Uttam Kumar Reddy and other senior leaders who were taken aback by the development.
Party senior leader and former MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy expressed serious displeasure over the incident. He said there was utter lack of discipline and protocol in the party. Now the dispute between the two leaders is before the party Disciplinary Committee. Leaders are currently discussing and debating as to whom the show-cause notice should be served and action be taken. It is a tightrope walk for the leadership as action on anyone leader will trigger discontent in another section of the party.
Dasoju – High command’s blue eyed boy
Both Dasoju Sravan and Niranjan have influence in their respective spheres in the party. Relatively, Dasoju is seen as a favourite of party high command. He attracted the attention of party Delhi brass by translating Rahul Gandhi speeches at the public meetings during elections. Later, he was made one of AICC spokespersons. Besides, he is also seen as unofficial agent of the AICC with regard to the affairs in the state party. Hence, it is assumed that Dasoju is unlikely to be served notice.
Niranjan has Uttam’s backing
On the other hand, Niranjan is considered PCC president Uttam Kumar Reddy’s man. There is also speculation that Niranjan behaved aggressively in the PCC meeting with the tacit support of Uttam. Party fears backlash from Niranjan’s group if he is served show cause notice. The Disciplinary Committee is said to be tying itself in knots over who should be served notice of the two leaders. If it desists from taking any action, it may set a bad precedent. Party’s hands would be tied in the future if such incidents continue to recur. Congress continues to suffer from anarchy and indiscipline even though it is out of power.
