Senior Congress leader from Andhra Pradesh G Venkataswamy, who caused a flutter demanding the resignation of Sonia Gandhi as party chief, could be shown the door.
Indications to this effect were available with Union Minister M Veerappa Moily, who is in charge of party affairs in Andhra Pradesh, saying that his “viciousness” in attacking Ms. Gandhi and his “arrogance” certainly warranted action.
Replying to questions, Mr. Moily, however, did not specify the form of disciplinary action against the 82-year-old former Deputy Leader of the party in the Lok Sabha.
Congress sources have said that the party chief has the power to summarily expel even a CWC member for anti-party activities.
“We have taken serious note of his arrogance, vicious attitude and such actions definitely warrants action,” Mr. Moily told PTI.
Asked about the type of action he was referring to, he merely said: “Wait and see.”
Mr. Moily said Congress has given everything to Mr. Venkataswamy and his family. “It is really shocking how he is repaying his gratitude to the party which has endowed him the highest benefits. He is highly ungrateful to a party which nurtured him as a mother...(his remarks) are absolutely absurd, irresponsible, insensitive and grossly violative of the norms and standards of discipline on the Indian National Congress,” he said.
The Law Minister said he spoke with Mr. Venkataswamy this morning with regard to the veracity of his statement.
“He said he has indeed made such a statement. I asked him whether he will withdraw the statement, the remarks made against the Congress president. He said no (he will not),” Mr. Moily said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Venkataswamy said in Hyderabad that he was ready to withdraw all his comments. “I had to make those comments because I was worried that party may suffer in Telangana region. I am ready to withdraw all comments...I request her (Ms. Gandhi) separate Telangana“.
The Telangana leader had demanded that Italy-born Sonia Gandhi step down as party chief and make way for an “Indian”.
In a no-holds-barred attack on Congress leadership, Mr. Venkataswamy alleged corruption has grown and that the nation and party were suffering from various ills. He also criticised the party over moves to tie up with Praja Rajyam Party headed by actor Chiranjeevi.
Congress sources said Mr. Venkataswamy’s attack needed to be seen in the light of the fact that he was soon going to be out of the CWC which Ms. Gandhi is reconstituting.
Meanwhile, Congress MP from Andhra Pradesh V Arun Kumar termed Mr. Venkataswamy’s outburst against Sonia Gandhi as a “shameful” act.
