The Congress Cauldron Simmers On

Even as the energetic BJP emerges as the major challenger to the ruling TRS at least in the recent polls, the moribund Congress refuses to riddle out of its long slumber. Thanks to the indecisive high command and relentless internal bickering that has been the characteristic of the party, the congress cauldron simmers on.

Thanks to halla bol for and against Revanth Reddy, the Congress chief selection unusually gave the grand old party much needed attention in political and media circles. But, the party refuses to capitalise on the new found recognition as the high command continues to vacillate on the choice and timing with the demand to defer the process till the Nagarjuna Sagar by poll surfacing.

The seniors versus new entrants divide and debate seems to have subsided with the name of Jeevan Reddy coming to the fore. But, the unending saga of choosing the state Congress chief took a curious turn with the demand to defer the process surfacing.

With the emergence of  Bandi Sanjay at the helm in BJP, the demand for an articulate leader got louder within the Congress. Revanth Reddy dominated in this narrative as he is known for sharp anti KCR rhetoric. However, a battery of senior congress leaders protested against the possible anointment of Revanth Reddy though they were not united on the alternative.

As the unanimity eluded, the high command almost decided to give the mantle to Revanth Reddy. Yet, the last minute acrimony resulted in the proposal of Jeevan Reddy who is rather acceptable to Revanth Reddy and his critics alike. Thus, the congress high command has reportedly arrived at a compromise formula to accommodate competing leaders. Revanth Reddy has reportedly reconciled to the offer of Campaign committee leadership if someone acceptable to him is the PCC chief.

The Congress leaders are still not united on the question of deferring the process till the Sagar by poll. There are differing perceptions on this too. As per the media reports, senior Congress leaders Jana Reddy has proposed to the high command to defer the selection of PCC chief  till the by-poll . Obviously, he might have realised that Komati Reddy Venkaty Reddy, the Nalgonda strongman will not be the PCC chief whether or not Revanth makes it.

Jana Reddy may be counting on the possible resentment in Venkat Reddy camp that can have an impact on the party in the Sagar by poll. But, others in the party feel that failure to appoint the state party chief will give a weapon to the rivals to hit back.

This is the story so far. The rudderless Congress immediately needs a strong and articulate state chief to stem the decline. Otherwise, the BJP is all set to capitalise on the discontent against KCR regime.

By Prof K Nageshwar

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