This is not the first time Srinivas has stirred controversy. He previously criticised minister Prabhakar and was issued a disciplinary notice by the party. Though he responded, tensions between the factions remain unresolved.
Karimnagar: Tensions flared after constituency in-charge Purumalla Srinivas made controversial remarks about interference in nominated posts during the Congress organisational meeting held at the District Congress Committee (DCC) office in Karimnagar. His comments disrupted the meeting proceedings for over 30 minutes.
The meeting presided over by DCC president and Manakondur MLA Dr Kavvampalli Satyanarayana, was attended by AICC secretary and former MP Viswanathan Perumal and observers Namindla Srinivas and P. Raghunath Reddy.
Speaking during the session, Srinivas alleged that a "malicious individual" in Hyderabad was blocking nominations he had recommended to the TPCC, including one for Dr. Anjan Kumar for a position in the agricultural market committee. He claimed that four to five such proposals were deliberately stalled.
His remarks, perceived as indirect criticism of minister Ponnam Prabhakar, triggered a backlash. Congress leaders Padala Rahul and Bonala Srinivas, believed to be supporters of the minister, confronted Purumalla and demanded that he name the person he accused. The situation quickly escalated into a physical altercation, with leaders pushing each other and shouting, forcing the DCC president to intervene and temporarily suspend the meeting.
This is not the first time Srinivas has stirred controversy. He previously criticised minister Prabhakar and was issued a disciplinary notice by the party. Though he responded, tensions between the factions remain unresolved.
Several speakers at the meeting expressed dissatisfaction with the party leadership for neglecting long-time workers after coming to power. They alleged that "parachute leaders" from other parties were securing positions through lobbying sidelining loyal Congress cadres.
The chaos ended with rival factions chanting slogans “Ponnam Prabhakar Zindabad” and “Purumalla Srinivas Zindabad”, highlighting the growing factionalism. AICC secretary Viswanathan Perumal warned that disciplinary action would be taken against those deviating from party lines, reflecting the central leadership’s concern over the disunity.
Meanwhile, the local leaders expressed frustration that the Karimnagar Congress unit lacks effective coordination, deepening dissatisfaction over unfulfilled promises of nominated posts.
