Kumar Bahukhandi
After rumblings of internal strife in Telangana Congress, CM A. Revanth Reddy called an emergency meeting of ministers. (PTI Photo)
Telangana/ New Delhi : 10 Congress MLAs met at the farmhouse of MLA Anirudh Reddy, fuelling speculations of internal differences in the party. The MLAs who attended the meeting included Naini Rajender Reddy, Bhupati Reddy, Yenam Srinivas Reddy, Murali Naik, Kuchukulla Rajesh Reddy, Sanjiva Reddy, Anirudh Reddy, Lakshmikanth, Donthi Madhav and Birla Ilaiah.
Reports of internal strife in the Congress party in Telangana are surfacing. The 10 MLAs of the party held a closed-door meeting, raising concerns within the leadership. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is scheduled to hold a meeting with all his ministers at the Command Control Centre to calm the growing discontent among the party MLAs. The disgruntled MLAs are said to be angry with Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy
Sensing the gravity of the situation, Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy has cancelled his Palair visit to attend the meeting called by the Chief Minister. CM Revanth Reddy has directed officials not to attend the meeting, indicating the seriousness of the dissent inside the party. The Congress high command is concerned that any rebellion by MLAs ahead of the local body and MLC elections could send the wrong message to the public.
10 Congress MLAs met at the farmhouse of incumbent MLA Anirudh Reddy, fuelling speculation of internal differences in the party. The MLAs who attended the meeting included Naini Rajender Reddy, Bhupati Reddy, Yenam Srinivas Reddy, Murali Naik, Kuchukulla Rajesh Reddy, Sanjiva Reddy, Anirudh Reddy, Lakshmikanth, Donthi Madhava Reddy and Birla Ilaiah. Trying to downplay the infighting following a secret meeting of some Congress MLAs, Nagarkurnool MP Mallu Ravi said it was just a dinner meeting and alleged that opposition parties were trying to blow it out of proportion.
Speaking to media persons in New Delhi, the Congress MP said the MLAs’ meeting was held at ITC Kohinoor and not at a farmhouse. He also clarified that 10 MLAs were supposed to attend the dinner but only eight attended it. Congress MP Mallu Ravi also said that he has spoken to all the MLAs individually and ruled out any possibility of rebellion, Mallu Ravi confirmed .
