Debate over PCC revamp to the fore

Hyderabad: War of words between the leaders of the Congress party sparked a debate over the selection of the new president of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee few days ahead of the announcement of Parliamentary election results.

It is widely speculated among Congress circles that the TPCC would be revamped and a new president would be appointed. The results for the Parliament elections would be announced on May 23 and the change of leadership may take place in June or July.

Already several leaders have expressed their displeasure over the present leadership and few seniors have thrown their hat into the ring. Several aspiring leaders have been indicating their intention to take over the mantle.

However, MLA T Jagga Reddy, Congress senior leader Vijayashanti and AICC secretary V Hanumantha Rao have caused a commotion in the party circles with their comments.

Sanga Reddy MLA Jagga Reddy, in an informal chat with media, said that the new president should not aspire for the Chief Minister post and should work for the success of the party in the next Assembly elections.

He said that present TPCC president N Uttam Kumar Reddy was in debts by spending money for the party. He said if Uttam decides to step down, leaders like Revanth Reddy, Ponnam Prabhakar, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, Rajagopla Reddy and Sridhar Babu were ready to take over the party reins.

As he has been criticised by Congress senior leader Vijayashanti for his comments, he said the former film star too wants to become TPCC president. He said that her services are required in the South India for the party.

Reacting to the comments of Jagga Reddy, Vijayashanti faulted his comments and said that they have been creating confusion among the party workers in particular and people at large.

AICC secretary V Hanumantha Rao has also found fault with Jagga Reddy. He said as he was senior leader his name should also be not considered for the TPCC president post. He said, "when Sheila Dixit has been given a big role in the party, though she is 81-year-old, why my name should not be considered."

The comments of these three leaders have led to a serious debate in the party and the qualities required by leader to become new chief of Telangana Congress.

Several leaders said that the high command should take right decision on the PCC president post in order to rejuvenate the party.

Few leaders said that the high command demands loyalty of a leader towards it for appointing him as the president of Pradesh Congress Committee. The abilities of the leader to steer the party would come next.