Gadwal: Senior Congress leaders and local workers in Gadwal voiced strong dissatisfaction over the party’s treatment of the BC (Backward Class) leadership and dedicated supporters. At a party meeting in Brindavan Gardens, former Municipal Chairman B.S. Keshav and TPCC member Ganjipet Shankar led the calls for justice and acknowledgment from the party leaders.
Claims of Overlooking Communities
B.S. Keshav addressed the crowd, stating that communities like SC, ST, BC, and Minorities were critical in forming a Congress government in Telangana. However, these groups, especially in Gadwal, are now neglected. He criticized the party for ignoring local BC leaders, which contradicts Congress’s founding principles.
Keshav highlighted that before the 2023 Assembly elections, Congress in Gadwal was weak. Only the efforts of party in-charge Saritha Tirupathayya revitalized the party at the grassroots level. “Even though she lost by a small margin, Saritha remains a leader with moral victory,” he remarked.
Opposition to MLA Defection
Leaders condemned the Congress leadership for favoring a BRS MLA who joined Congress after the elections. This move, they argued, disheartened local party workers. They also noted that grassroots supporters have not received nominated posts or welfare benefits despite their loyalty.
Ganjipet Shankar stressed that workers continue to serve under Saritha’s leadership, responding to the party’s needs despite being overlooked.
Call for Clear Direction
Leaders questioned why, despite AICC leader Rahul Gandhi advocating for 42% BC reservation, Congress fails to practice these ideals in Gadwal. They demanded clarity on the party’s stance regarding Saritha’s leadership. The meeting urged that her supporters should receive priority in local elections and schemes like the Indiramma Housing Scheme.
The Gadwal constituency stood by Saritha during the elections, and despite conspiracies that led to her narrow loss, she retains strong support, especially among weaker sections.
Threat of Protest March
Criticism was directed at the promotion of leaders from other parties, particularly the BRS MLA, while loyal Congress workers were ignored. “How can those who never supported Congress now enjoy benefits meant for true workers?” they questioned.
“If the Congress leadership keeps ignoring its loyal workers in favor of outsiders, we will organize a protest march from Gadwal to Gandhi Bhavan,” they warned.
Meeting Attendees
The meeting saw a large turnout of Congress leaders and former representatives, including:
- Madhu Sudhan Babu
- Balgere Narayana Reddy
- Mohammad Ishaq
- Macherla Varalakshmi
- Venkataswamy Goud
- Gonupadu Srinivas Goud
- Pedapalli Alwala Rajasekhar Reddy
- DTDC Narasimhulu
- Bhaskar Yadav
- Youth Congress District President Tirumalesh
- General Secretary S. Lathipuram Venkatarami Reddy
- Pulipati Venkatesh
- D.R. Sridhar
- Kotesh
- Vakiti Sanjeevulu
- Yusuf
- S. Krishna
- Mahesh
- Advocate Shafiullah
- Suresh
- Nagaraju
- Anand Goud (Patapalem)
- Mahanandi Reddy
- Patel Srinivasulu
- Aragidda Balakrishna
- Seesala Venkat Reddy
- Janardhan Reddy, and others.
The event underscored a clear expectation from Congress leadership: grassroots loyalty and dedication should not be overlooked for political gains. Party workers demand recognition, representation, and fairness as Congress heads into local elections.
