Congress tries to silence rebel Komatireddy brothers

Hyderabad: Both the All India Congress Committee and the state party unit have decided to take up the rebellion of Congress senior legislators Komatireddy Venkat Reddy and Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy of Nalgonda district. They have been accused of talking ill of the new TS party affairs incharge R.C. Kuntia and PCC chief N. Uttam Kumar Reddy. The brothers had spoken to the media separately, and denounced the recent statement of Mr Kuntia that Mr Uttam Kumar Reddy would hold the post till the 2019 and that his word was final.

The Komatireddy brothers had questioned Mr Kuntia’s authority to make the decision. The Komatireddy Bros and Mr Uttam Kumar Reddy have been at loggerheads for the last few years. Mr Uttam Kumar Reddy refused to talk on the issue but sources close to the PCC chief said action wold be initiated on the Komati-reddy brothers within two days. Asked about the controversy, Mr Kuntia told this newspaper: “We know how to handle the situation, we will act”.

After the Komatireddy brothers questioned Mr Kuntia’s authority, both the party incharge and Mr Uttam Kumar Reddy held a series of consultations with senior leaders with a view to inititing action such as issuing a showcause notice or suspending them from the party for violating party discipline. Both leaders asked for suggestions from Lea-ders of Opposition in the Legislature K. Jana Reddy and Shabbir Ali on how to proceed further. It was stated that if the brothers were let off without action, indiscipline may escalate and some more leaders may start questioning party decisions.

Sources said both the leaders advised against suspension. Once the Congress elections kicks in, such statements will not be taken so lightly. Despite this, sources said the PCC president is very serious about the fresh attack against him by Komatireddy Bros and action would be taken.