Sources within the party suggest the committee deliberately avoided the matter due to its sensitive nature, given Rajagopal Reddy’s stature and the potential for further internal friction.
Published Aug 11, 2025 | 12:25 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 11, 2025 | 12:25 AM
Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy. (File photo/Supplied)
Synopsis: The Telangana Congress Disciplinary Action Committee, chaired by MP Mallu Ravi, convened on 10 August in Hyderabad but chose not to address Munugode MLA Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy’s public criticism of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, citing procedural constraints. Instead, the meeting focused on resolving factional tensions in Warangal and responding to allegations by Jadcherla MLA Anirudh Reddy about covert influence from the TDP.
The Telangana Congress Disciplinary Action Committee (DAC), in its latest meeting, has sidestepped the highly anticipated issue of Munugode MLA Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy’s public criticism of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy.
Chaired by Nagarkurnool MP Mallu Ravi on Sunday, 10 August, at Gandhi Bhavan in Hyderabad, it instead focused on resolving tensions in Warangal and addressing remarks by Jadcherla MLA Anirudh Reddy.
While some local conflicts were settled, the outcomes raised questions about the party’s ability to tackle deeper factionalism and enforce discipline ahead of upcoming by-elections and local body polls.
Expectations were high that the DAC would address the recent controversial statements by Munugode MLA Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy, who openly criticised Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on several fronts.
It was expected to send a strong message on enforcing discipline. However, its decision to sidestep the Rajagopal Reddy issue has led some party insiders to question its effectiveness.
Rajagopal Reddy recently advised the Chief Minister to “speak less” and focus on filling vacant cabinet berths. He also described Reddy’s remarks about “social media journalists” as undignified.
Besides, he accused the government of overlooking corruption by certain contractors, particularly those from Andhra Pradesh, sparking significant controversy within the party.
The DAC meeting comes at a critical time for the Telangana Congress, which is preparing for local body elections, the Jubilee Hills by-election, and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections in 2026.
These remarks set off alarm bells, with party leaders concerned about the impact on Congress’s image.
However, Mallu Ravi, speaking to the media after the meeting, said Rajagopal Reddy’s issue was not discussed as no formal complaint had been lodged.
“Unless someone brings an issue to our attention, the committee cannot take it up for discussion,” Ravi said, emphasising the DAC’s procedural constraints.
Sources within the party suggest the committee deliberately avoided the matter due to its sensitive nature, given Rajagopal Reddy’s stature and the potential for further internal friction.
Sources indicate that AICC in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan has directed Mallu Ravi to take a firm stance on indiscipline, but the committee’s cautious approach suggests sensitive issues involving senior leaders may be handled behind closed doors.
The DAC focused primarily on two issues, one of which was the public outburst by former MLC Konda Muralidhar Rao, husband of Endowments Minister Konda Surekha, against Congress MLAs in Warangal.
Mallu Ravi did not disclose the outcome of the discussions. The Warangal issue took centre stage, with Konda Murali appearing before the committee to explain his actions.
Warangal MLAs, including Kadiyam Srihari, Naini Rajendar Reddy, Revuri Prakash Reddy, Gandra Satyanarayana, and KR Nagaraju, had previously lodged complaints against Konda Murali and Minister Konda Surekha.
They accused them of dominating other constituencies, sidelining party leaders, and making derogatory remarks. The MLAs had issued an ultimatum to the party leadership, demanding a choice between them and the Konda family.
During the meeting, Konda Murali reportedly assured the committee of his commitment to party unity. Speaking to the media afterwards, he said, “Congress is in my blood. We will work together as per the party’s directions, and there will be no problems in Warangal moving forward.”
Mallu Ravi echoed this sentiment, declaring that the “gap between Konda Murali and the MLAs has been bridged.”
He added, “They have promised to work shoulder to shoulder in the local body elections. There are no issues now in Warangal.”
The committee’s resolution of the Warangal dispute was presented as a success, with Ravi underlining that the MLAs and Konda Murali had committed to united efforts to secure a significant number of seats in the upcoming local body elections.
The second issue addressed was Jadcherla MLA Anirudh Reddy’s claim that some Congress members were acting as “coverts” for Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, though the outcome remains unclear.
The DAC meeting was also expected to address factionalism within the party, especially after public clashes in Gajwel, where former MLA and DCC president T Narsa Reddy and his rivals engaged in a physical altercation at a public event.
A case was registered against Narsa Reddy under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, further tarnishing the party’s image. These open spats, often caught on camera, have frustrated Congress leadership, which is eager to project unity ahead of by-elections and local body polls.
However, the Gajwel issue was not explicitly discussed at the meeting, raising concerns about the committee’s ability to address all instances of indiscipline.
