Cong. like a cricket team, we will work together for Telangana win: Manickam

Hyderabad: Deccan Chronicle’s Md. Nizamuddin caught up with the Congress Telangana incharge, Manickam Tagore, ahead of the Munugode bypoll. Tagore said the Congress will expose to the people the “betrayal of former MLA Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy” and create awareness about the values of the party in its campaign. 

Excerpts:

Is the Congress still relevant, given that the BJP is portraying itself as an alternative to the TRS? 

Congress is the only party that can defeat TRS. It’s a myth the BJP is trying to create (that it is the alternative). Whichever NPAs (non-performing assets) we have sent out, they (BJP) are accepting and trying to project them as big leaders. 

Is it true that senior members have a problem with Komatireddy Venkat Reddy? How will you pacify dissent? It is alleged that you asked for his suspension

I don’t know about the particulars. We feel that in the Congress, everybody has space. Rahulji made it very clear that there should be discipline. Congress president Sonia Gandhi finalised Revanth Reddy (as PCC chief) and other aspirants were also given responsibilities and they should fulfil those. The Congress is like a cricket team, there are different types of players and all will work together for victory in Telangana. 

Will Priyanka Gandhi be playing an active role in Telangana?

She is our leader; she recently met the first batch of leaders and they expressed their views openly. She has given direct instructions to the leaders to work together, as we are going through a difficult time. As the Munugode election is important, she will be monitoring developments. For now, she is involved in Telangana affairs. 

Is there a new strategy for Munugode, particularly in the backdrop of the meeting between Priyanka Gandhi and state leaders?

The Congress feels that Rajgopal Reddy resigned the seat for contractual benefits. This has forced elections on the people. People are unhappy and the party will design a campaign to expose Rajgopal’s interest in joining BJP purely for business and not for the constituency's development. 

You are being perceived as Revanth Reddy’s man. It is alleged that reports sent to AICC are being manipulated to favour Revanth Reddy.

I don’t take these (claims) seriously and I only work for Sonia Gandhi. She is my leader. Revanth Reddy has been chosen as president of the Telangana Congress. Those who are levelling allegations are misunderstanding the structure of the Congress. 

How will the Congress tackle the issue of money in the Munugode bypoll?

The Congress does not believe in money politics and has a strong traditional base in Munugode. Rajgopal is the only traitor, but all others from the party stood for the people of Munugode.