Telangana Congress leaders and Governor E. S. L. Narasimhan had a heated exchange when a Congress delegation visited him to submit a representation seeking action against the sand mafia, and arrest of MRPS leader Manda Krishan Madiga, among others, sources said. Congress leaders were apparently irked by the Governor’s ‘defence’ of Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and IT Minister K. T. Rama Rao when they were explaining him the death of one Sailoo in Nizamabad district, allegedly with the involvement of sand smugglers, and also the Nerella incident where some Dalits were ‘tortured’ by the police after some sand lorries were burnt.
Congress leaders said that the Governor asked Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president Uttam Kumar Reddy to stop blaming the government and Mr. Reddy apparently shot back, saying he had a right to speak and the Governor should listen as the constitutional head. Mr. Narasimhan also apparently questioned the veracity of the murder claims of Sailoo and also the behaviour of Manda Krishna Madiga, leading to his arrest.
This further irked some senior Congress leaders who accused him of “blindly” supporting the ruling party. Former Union Minister Sarve Satyanarayana allegedly accused the Governor of siding with the government and not taking any action on their representations on various issues. Annoyed by this, Mr. Narasimhan said he was walking out of the meeting but Mr. Satyanarayana apparently reminded him that, as the constitutional head, he should listen to their grievances. He was joined by former MP Mallu Ravi and both of them questioned the “inaction” on the torture of Dalits in Nerella incident and other issues, a senior Congress leader said.
However, Governor’s Press secretary later stated that “it was a cordial meeting.” In a Whatsapp message, he said “The dignity and neutrality of Raj Bhavan will always be maintained. “The Governor is concerned about the welfare of the people of both Telugu states.”
The TPCC chief said the Governor responded positively to their representation and assured them to look into the issues raised by them.
A senior Congress leader said Mr. Narasimhan was aggressive initially but subdued later. CLP leader K. Jana Reddy and Mr. Uttam Kumar Reddy tried to pacify the leaders to some extent. Later, they submitted a memorandum.
