Differences in the Khammam Congress were visible at a meeting called by former Union minister and senior Congress leader Renuka Chowdary where Congress workers loyal to her criticised the ‘interference’ of AICC SC Cell incharge Koppula Raju for allegedly promoting CLP leader Bhatti Vikramarka and ignoring other party workers and leaders.
The meeting, also attended by former minister R. Damodar Reddy, saw the party workers complaining that only a section of leaders close to Mr. Vikramarka were being given opportunity in the party posts. They all wanted Ms. Chowdary to contest for the Khammam seat.
Later, in an informal chat with media Ms. Chowdary targeted Mr. Raju saying that his mistakes had cost the party a lot. In an indirect reference, she also blamed him for alliance with the Telangana Telugu Desam Party (TTDP). She said though she was not interested in contesting from Khammam but if the party asks she won’t hesitate.
She will also work for any candidate nominated by the party but said party workers don’t want any non-local leader.
She also expressed displeasure over the appointment of Mr. Kusum Kumar as Congress working president, from the Kamma community, saying he doesn’t have the face value for such position as no party worker recognises him.
Mr. Damodar Reddy said the party workers would hold meetings to explain how Mr. Koppula Raju was discouraging the genuine workers and was not allowing them to get an appointment with AICC president Rahul Gandhi.
