The Telangana Congress is currently grappling with internal strife, which has intensified recently with public remarks made by MLA Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy that directly mention Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. This open disagreement highlights a deeper unease within the party, as various leaders and factions jostle for position and express dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs.
Rajagopal Reddy's recent statements have sparked considerable concern within Congress circles. During Independence Day celebrations in his constituency of Munugode, Rajagopal Reddy alluded to uncleared contractor bills, questioning whether those in power were focused on personal gain rather than public service. While he mentioned Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, he added that he was not explicitly criticizing him. However, these remarks have been interpreted as a veiled attack on the Chief Minister's leadership.
This isn't the first time Rajagopal Reddy has voiced his discontent. He has been openly critical of the state leadership, particularly regarding the allocation of funds and the distribution of cabinet posts. Rajagopal Reddy has alleged that his constituency, Munugode, is being neglected in favor of the Chief Minister's constituency, Kodangal. He also expressed his frustration at not being offered a ministerial position, despite allegedly being promised one upon his return to the Congress party in 2023. According to Rajagopal Reddy, the Congress high command had promised him a cabinet berth. He believes that state-level leaders are blocking him from getting the promised position and are also humiliating him.
The Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) has taken note of Rajagopal Reddy's repeated criticisms. TPCC President Mahesh Kumar Goud has instructed the party's Disciplinary Committee, led by Mallu Ravi, to examine the matter and assess the intent behind Rajagopal Reddy's comments. The committee is tasked with understanding why Rajagopal Reddy is publicly airing his grievances instead of raising them within party forums. The Disciplinary Committee may issue a notice to Rajagopal Reddy for publicly criticizing the Chief Minister. Mallu Ravi, chairman of the disciplinary action committee, said he would speak to Rajagopal Reddy to find out what happened. A decision on the matter would be taken after speaking with the MLA.
This internal conflict is not isolated to Rajagopal Reddy's grievances. Broader issues plague the Telangana Congress, including differences among party loyalists and dissent from cadre against turncoat MLAs and leaders from other parties. Some Congress leaders are worried about the failure to implement the six guarantees assured to the people. There have also been internal disagreements over protocol and coordination during meetings. Furthermore, there are reports of a secret meeting held by 12 Congress MLAs who discussed their grievances against ministers who were allegedly demanding "a share or percentage" for clearing works. These MLAs had reportedly raised these issues with the Chief Minister on multiple occasions, but their efforts had not led to any changes.
The current infighting and dissatisfaction within the Telangana Congress could have serious repercussions for the party. With local body elections approaching, such internal divisions could damage the party's image and unity. The Congress leadership faces the challenge of addressing these issues and ensuring that the party presents a united front. Failure to do so could weaken the party and undermine its ability to effectively govern Telangana. The party leadership is under pressure to resolve the issue without further harming party morale.
