Renuka-Raju spat sows discord in TPCC

Hyderabad: The tussle between former Union Minister Renuka Chowdary and AICC president Rahul Gandhi’s office in-charge Koppula Raju has led to divisions in the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC).The supporters of Renuka Chowdary are trying to portray Raju in a bad light by throwing the blame for the dismal performance of the party on him. Raju’s supporters are paying those back who supported the former Union Minister in same coin.

Encouraged by a few TPCC leaders, the supporters of Renuka Chowdary have decided to a lodge a complaint with the high command against Raju. Renuka Chowdary is planning to meet AICC president Rahul Gandhi in Delhi on February 18 to complain against Raju. She has sought an appointment with Rahul Gandhi in this regard. Meanwhile, Raju’s supporters have launched a campaign against the former Union Minister. 

The row between the two leaders began two days ago with Renuka Chowdary at a meeting In Khammam blaming Raju responsible for alliance with the Telugu Desam Party. The alliance led to party’s dismal performance, she reportedly said. She also alleged Raju has been interfering in the State Congress affairs and has been promoting a group. She said that Raju was blocking the Telangana Congress leaders from meeting Rahul to explain the facts.

On the other hand, supporters of Raju held a media conference and came down heavily on Renuka Chowdary. They said she was trying to get mileage by targeting Raju. They condemned the allegations that Raju was responsible for the defeat of Congress in in the Assembly  elections.According to sources Renuka Chowdary is not alone in the State Congress in opposing Raju.

Some leaders, except the top brass of the TPCC, have been lending their support to Renuka Chowdary. The antagonists are angry at Raju for promoting some leaders at the district level. They have alleged that Raju has played a role in the appointment of two leaders as AICC secretaries, ignoring the senior leaders.