Groupism in Congress to the fore

Minister for R and B Dharmana Prasada Rao, who submitted his resignation in August last after he was named as an accused by the CBI in the disproportionate case against YSRC leader Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy for allotting land to Vanpic, and stayed away from his official duties, participated in a function organised to mark swearing in of the new president and directors of DCCB, here on Friday.

Mr. Prasada Rao attended the function as Minister in-charge of the district and spoke. He was considered chief guest, since he spoke last.

The Minister is also scheduled to attend the District Review Committee meeting on Sunday, a meeting not held for a long time.A separate swearing-in ceremony for president and other directors is not necessary since they are designated as such after their election (held on February 19 in this case) is recorded.

But the function was held on Friday and it turned out to be a Congress affair, a show of strength by Elamanchili MLA U.V. Ramana Murthy Raju (Kannababu), who got his son Sukumara Varma elected president of DCCB in spite of opposition from within the party and also brought to light again the differences between the two groups in the party led by Ministers Ganta Srinivasa Rao and P. Balaraju. Supporters of Mr. Balaraju held demonstrations in the city this week demanding action against Mr. Ramana Murthy Raju for the comments he allegedly made against the Minister for not supporting his son.

Only eight other directors belonging to MLA’s group, including the vice-president, turned up at the programme. Those supporting Mr. Balaraju and one Telugu Desam supporter did not turn up. All along the National Highway flexi boards were hung welcoming every MLA of the district, irrespective of the party affiliation, but that of Mr. Balaraju was conspicuously missing. He was not reportedly invited.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao, who reportedly supported Mr. Kannababu’s son in selection of the candidate for DCCB’s president while DCC president K. Dharmasri tried hard for the post, said first Geddam Bujji was asked to contest but he refused.

Then Bheemunipatnam MLA M. Srinivasa Rao, Mr. Dharmasri and Grandhalaya Samsta Chairman Nagesh were sounded but they too refused. Later Mr. Kannababu sought a chance to be given to his son, the Minister said.

Mr. Prasada Rao too could not avoid a comment on the group rivalry, saying the Congress would not be defeated by another party.

Only the Congress could defeat the Congress, so avoid party becoming weak, he added.