Botcha, JC in war of words

Hyderabad: Nominations for the Rajya Sabha elections witnessed tense moments on Tuesday as war of words broke out between PCC chief Botcha Satyanarayana and former Minister J C Diwakar Reddy who wanted to file his nomination as a rebel candidate.

Interestingly, the war of words took place outside the chamber of Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy. Diwakar Reddy's insistence on standing for the Rajya Sabha elections and his subsequent withdrawal were the reasons behind the squabble.

Botcha expressed his ire at Reddy’s activities and his recent statements that he would contest the RS elections as a rebel candidate. He told him: “If you want to sabotage the chances of party nominees, try and do it by resigning from Congress if you have the guts, but don't play cheap politics and don’t indulge in anti-party activities."

In a quick retort, Diwakar Reddy told Botcha, “It is you who has joined hands with TRS which has support of only 26 members, and spoiled the chance of the Congress party to win the fourth seat. Hence it is you who should quit the party.” Both the leaders shouted at each other, drawing the attention of the party leaders there and at one stage almost pushed each other.

However, Reddy who wanted to contest the Rajya Sabha elections as a rebel candidate, later decided not to file his nomination.