HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president D Srinivas today warned of action against the party leaders and workers who criticise the party and its leadership. “However big the leader might be, the APCC will immediately send the paper clippings and voice recordings (of the criticism) to the AICC disciplinary committee for necessary action,” he said.
Addressing a press conference at Gandhi Bhavan here, Srinivas hoped that all the Congressmen would fall in line and place their views only at party forums i.e. either before the AICC, APCC, state incharge or the chief minister. There was no objection if they react to opposition parties’ criticism of the Congress, but would not tolerate if they indulge in criticism within the party. Several MPs and MLAs had also endorsed this line of the party and suggested that stringent action should be taken against those who work or act against the party’s interests and hurt even Congress president Sonia Gandhi. “Sometimes, even the Congress leadership is being provoked,” he remarked.
Expressing satisfaction over the outcome of the luncheon meeting hosted by him for party MPs yesterday, the PCC chief said the initiative, aimed at promoting better coordination among the Congress leaders, would continue in the future. “I felt this is an appropriate time to have a meeting with the MPs to promote better coordination. Even chief minister K Rosaiah and several MPs and MLAs appreciated my move. I thank the MPs for responding to my invitation.
The meeting ended well and no MP resorted to criticism of the party,” he claimed.
He said the proposed meeting of the presidents of district and city Congress committees, Incharge ministers and APCC district coordinators would be held as per schedule i.e. tomorrow (September 30) at Gandhi Bhavan notwithstanding the Allahabad Court’s verdict on Ayodhya dispute.
The AICC’s decision to extend financial help (of Rs 1 lakh each) to the family members of those who had died of shock or by suicide following the sudden demise of former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy would be discussed at the meeting.
District-wise list of the deceased would be given to the DCC presidents for verification. The APCC would then conduct district-wise meetings to distribute cheques. The process would be taken up after getting approval from the AICC, he explained.