HYDERABAD: Just hours after the Congress high command finalised 74 candidates and seat sharing pact with allies, widespread dissent erupted in various parts of the State. Leaders across Congress revolted against denial of tickets in the rumoured list.
The party, which was until then in a preparatory mood, was met by rebels holding protests at not just Gandhi Bhavan but also in Delhi, giving jitters to already stressed party’s top bosses. Leaders from BC communities, Osmania student leaders, Telangana activists, party office bearers like official spokespersons have all been severely upset over the ticket allotment. With dissent all over, it is unlikely that the first list would be announced on Saturday morning.
Even Congress’ allies expressed displeasure with the seat sharing arrangement. CPI has made it clear that it is not going to accept less than five seats (it has been promised three seats). The party called for an emergency meeting of its state executive committee and even announced that it would contest in Wyra, Kothagudem, Husnabad, Munogode and Bellampalli constituencies, much to Congress’ consternation.
Meanwhile, former PCC president D Srinivas, who recently returned to Congress after a brief stint in TRS, met with Congress matron Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi on Friday. It is reported that he has been given the responsibility to coordinate between the warring grand alliance parties until the elections are over.
Also, BC leaders in the party have expressed their displeasure over the number of seats assigned to them. “AICC top leaders have repeatedly said that a social justice agenda would be key while issuing tickets. But among the total 74 candidates finalised till now just 15 to 18 are BCs,” said a senior Congress leader.
The voices
Komatireddy backs Lingaiah for Nakrekal
Congress’ prospective Nalgonda candidate Komatireddy Venkat Reddy warned his party high command that he would sit out of the election if Chirumarthy Lingaiah is not given the Nakrekal tikcet. Speaking at a party workers meeting at Narketpally on Friday, Reddy said,” I appeal to Uttam Kumar Reddy and Jana Reddy to make sure that Lingiah gets the ticket,” he said.It may be recalled that Lingaiah had represented the constituency in the past in united AP.
Party divided into two factions in Adilabad
The party is in a world of pain in Adilabad. The cadres have been divided into two groups, one led by DCC president A Maheshwar Reddy and the other by ex-MLC Prem Sagar Rao, both vying to come out on top. If the rumoured list is to be believed, Rao has been successful in securing tickets for his followers, much to the annoyance of Reddy whose followers are worried about their future. Meanwhile, former Khanapur MLA Hari Naik, on being denied the ticket, protested in front of Gandhi Bhavan in the city.
Ruckus over ticket for Ponnala Lakshmaiah
Former TPCC chief and senior leader Ponnala Lakshmaiah was stuck in an unenviable situation. It is said that Jangaon, which was represented by him in the past, would be allotted to TJS chief Kodandaram.This has created much ruckus in the party. Senior leader Jana Reddy tried to control the damage by saying that Kodandaram was not getting the ticket, however Ponnala has already expressed his anguish in public. He said that party would be hurt if the ticket was given to a Reddy such as Kodandaram.
Uttam goes to Dubai, interacts with emigrants
Meanwhile, TPCC chief Uttam Kumar Reddy travelled to Dubai to interact with emigrants from the State in the Gulf country. “If voted to power, Congress will establish Gulf Facilitation Centres to help nearly 10 lakh migrant workers from the State working in Gulf countries,” he said. Uttam along with senior leaders RC Khutia and T Jeevan Reddy visited labour camps in Alqouz area of Dubai on Friday. They interacted with the Gulf migrant workers to get first hand information on the problems being faced by them.
Dissent in alliance: CPI angry with only 3 seats
As part of the seat-sharing agreement finalised between the alliance, CPI has been given the fewest seats, with only three. The Left party called for an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the situation. It has refused to settle for less that five seats and has even announced its candidates for these places —Wyra, Kothagudem, Husnabad, Munogode and Bellampalli.