Congress high command weighs action against Telangana leaders over remarks
Congress central leadership is considering disciplinary action against two Telangana leaders for public remarks critical of the party, amid political calculations.
The Congress high command is inclined to take disciplinary action against Telangana Forests and Environment Minister Konda Surekha and State Planning Board Vice-Chairman G. Chinna Reddy for remarks seen as critical of the party leadership, sources indicated.
The matter gained fresh urgency after Ms. Surekha's daughter made sharp comments against party leaders and dragged Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy into the controversy. The All India Congress Committee (AICC) reviewed the issue following a report from the state unit on alleged acts of omission and commission.
On Wednesday, AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal separately spoke with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, TPCC president B. Mahesh Kumar Goud, and AICC Telangana in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan. The discussions drew on findings from the PCC's Disciplinary Action Committee and a report forwarded to the central leadership.
A senior party functionary said the state leadership had communicated its views to the high command, adding that the party is unhappy with the developments and has taken a serious view of the apparent indiscipline.
Ms. Surekha, currently in New Delhi, reportedly met Mr. Kharge and submitted a representation against a section of Congress leaders in Telangana. She is said to have alleged a concerted effort to target her and questioned how she could be held responsible for remarks made by her daughter at a meeting in Parkal.
The party is also weighing political implications. Ms. Surekha belongs to the Backward Classes (BC) community and is one of only two women ministers in the state cabinet. Leaders fear disciplinary action could trigger discontent among BC sections. However, those favouring immediate action argue that delay could further embarrass the party and the government.
Separately, party leaders have taken exception to Mr. Chinna Reddy's remarks against Wanaparthy MLA Megha Reddy and sections of the Congress leadership. The state unit's report is learnt to have recommended action to signal that indiscipline will not be tolerated.
The central leadership now faces the challenge of balancing disciplinary concerns with potential political fallout.