Congress Asks Rebels To Quit Or Keep Quiet

The Congress, on Sunday, warned its senior leaders of stern action if found openly expressing negative opinions against the party and its leaders.

"Quit or keep quiet. But don't damage the party with your irresponsible statements," said primary education minister S Sailajanath to senior leaders, while addressing a press conference in the Assembly premises.

He said that some leaders have been making irresponsible statements that have damaged the party's image among the general public. He said that the leaders must avoid double-speak, and, instead, resign from the party.

Sailajanath said that the party was now conducting a post-mortem to ascertain the real causes of its defeat in the by-elections. After conducting a ground-level survey, the party would take action against those responsible for the defeat, directly or indirectly. He added the results were shocking as the party has lost the traditional votes in the by-elections.

Regarding the party's defeat in the Anantapur (Urban) seat, Sailajanath countered former minister J C Diwakar Reddy's allegations that the candidate, Rasheed Ahmed, had lost since his candidature was finalised against the wishes of senior leaders. Rasheed Ahmed was nominated by the AICC, and therefore, it is wrong to blame him for his defeat, he averred.

Meanwhile, AICC Secretary and MLC Ponguleti Sudhakar also said senior leaders ought to change their behaviour and stop making open statements against the party.

Legislative council whip Rudraju Padmaraju opined that the party has given its rebels sufficient time to change their ways, and that if they do not, the party would be forced to take serious action against them. (INN)