HYDERABAD: The Telangana unit of the BJP was abuzz on Thursday after reports that a complaint, in the form of a letter, has been sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The letter, party sources say, names against two influential leaders from the state who are believed to hold sway at the national level.
But it is not just who the complaint was lodged against that has stirred the unit but also who are rumoured to have signed it.
Sources say that the letter was signed by five to six MPs, six to seven MLAs, along with several other senior leaders, including present and former legislators. The complaint is said to be directed at a Union minister and a senior MP, both accused of effectively running the state unit at their discretion.
One of the supposed signatories has denied any involvement. The denial, however, has only added to the buzz, with sections within the party reading it as proof that the letter exists.
Party insiders say the complainants have flagged concerns over the functioning and conduct of the leadership, alleging that initiatives meant to energise cadre against the ruling Congress have not found backing. There is also unease over the party’s failure to project itself as a credible alternative ahead of the next Assembly elections.
The discontent appears to have spilled into organisational matters. Some MPs have objected to the selection of candidates for local body elections, including the upcoming Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) polls. According to sources, they have conveyed that they will pick candidates within their constituencies and take charge of electioneering.
MLAs, too, are said to have raised similar concerns. A section of them maintains that their victories came despite strong contests from the BRS and Congress, with limited support from the party leadership.
The reported scale of backing for the letter has kept it in steady circulation within party circles. Even as some leaders acknowledge its existence, they have distanced themselves from claims of having signed it.
A link between letter and expected Cabinet expansion?
There are also indications that a handful of MPs have longstanding grievances against the same set of leaders. The timing has added another layer, with a Union Cabinet expansion expected in May, where representation from the state could become a point of discussion. A senior leader and former MLA, however, sought to play down the episode. “Nothing happens with such letters,” he said, pointing out that similar complaints in the past have not led to any action.
For now, the letter — whether acknowledged or denied — has left the Telangana BJP talking.