Hyderabad: Differences have erupted within the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) over the expulsion of MLAs Sampath Kumar and Komatireddy Venkatareddy, and the party is drawing flak for not bringing about an amicable solution to the problem.
During a meeting held by the CLP at party leader Mr K Jana Reddy's residence on Saturday, expelled MLA Mr Sampath expressed his displeasure over the party's attitude, saying that despite the Hyderabad High Court ruling in their favour, the party has failed to revoke their membership. He also blamed the party leadership for not meeting police officers to restore their gunmen, and added that he is unable to face people because of the party's attitude. Komatireddy was not present for the meeting as he was in in America.
After Mr Sampath’s comments, the CLP has decided to meet the Assembly Speaker, DGP and Chief Secretary, hand over copies of the High Court judgment, and demand that both the expelled MLAs be reinstated and their gunmen restored.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Mr Reddy denied the accusations of either of the expelled MLAs regarding the issue of reviving membership. He said the party has done whatever was required in the issue and that there was any indifference towards their problems. “We have organised protests in all assembly constituencies over the issue; while the issue was on, we even went to the Congress plenary and both the expelled MLAs had attended. What more are we supposed to do?” Mr Reddy said.
The CLP leader further said that the party has appointed Abhishek Singhvi to argue in the High Court on behalf of the expelled MLAs, and added, “I myself discussed with Singhvi, and the issue was brought to the notice of AICC president Rahul Gandhi and discussed with the Law Committee and their advice was sought. Rahul Gandhi also called Singhvi and told him to look into the matter.”
