Hyderabad: AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday issued a blunt warning to Congress leaders in Telangana, stating that any deviation from party discipline or public airing of internal matters would not be tolerated. “Everyone must stay in line. Speaking out benefits only the opposition,” he said, addressing the extended TPCC executive meet at Gandhi Bhavan in Hyderabad.
Kharge was in the city as part of the party’s preparations for the upcoming local body elections. He directed the leadership to aim for a clean sweep, including in the Jubilee Hills bypoll. “We must win majority seats across the board,” he said.
In a clear message to dissenting legislators, Kharge expressed serious displeasure over the conduct of a few sitting MLAs. “Do four or five MLAs think forming groups will frighten us? Neither I nor Rahul Gandhi will entertain indiscipline. Arbitrary behaviour will not be spared,” he said.
He told leaders to stop dividing the party into old and new camps and to work together. “No more talk of senior or junior. The Congress must move forward as one,” he said.
Kharge instructed the state leadership to immediately withdraw politically motivated cases filed against Congress workers during the previous regime. He also called for swift appointment of loyal leaders to nominated posts. “Recognise those who stood by the party,” he told the leadership.
He reiterated that Congress would be remembered in Telangana for honouring its commitments. Turning to the BJP, he said the country has witnessed 11 years of undeclared emergency under the Modi government. “Why are BJP leaders silent about their own record? Let them answer that first,” he challenged.
