We are stakeholders, not tenants, says Jeevan Reddy amid Congress dissent in Jagtial

Hyderabad: Senior Congress leader and former MLC T. Jeevan Reddy on Monday raised sharp objections to the party’s recent temple committee appointments in Jagtial, warning that loyal Congress workers were being sidelined to accommodate BRS migrants.

“We are not tenants in this party,” says Jeevan Reddy

Reddy met Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar at the Dharmapuri MLA camp office and objected to the appointment of BRS-aligned individuals to the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple committee in Beerpur mandal. He alleged that Congress workers, who had supported the party for decades, were being overlooked.

“We are stakeholders, not tenants,” he said, taking an indirect swipe at Jagtial MLA Sanjay Kumar. “Has Jagtial been gifted to political migrants?”

Reddy said he would never bow before recent entrants from other parties. He criticised party leadership for ignoring long-serving grassroots Congress workers.

Reddy alleges BRS control over multiple panels

Apart from the Pembatla temple, Reddy claimed that most temple committees in the district had fallen into the hands of BRS loyalists. For instance, in the Polasa Paulastheeshwara Swamy temple, he alleged that followers of former minister Koppula Eshwar and a former Choppadandi MLA had secured key posts.

He questioned why the party was favouring those who had just joined while ignoring those who had stood by Congress through difficult years. “If you no longer want us, then say it directly,” he said with visible frustration.

“Stop pushing us out bit by bit,” urges Reddy

Reddy spoke emotionally about the toll these decisions had taken. “There are nights when I can’t sleep,” he revealed. “Instead of slowly driving us away, take one clear decision don’t let us die by a thousand cuts.”

He said that he had served both people and the party without seeking personal gain. “I’ve never looted like these migrants. I’ve worked—post or no post,” he said.

Several leaders and supporters who accompanied Reddy backed his stand. They asked the party to clarify its position and support those who had remained loyal.

In response, Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar promised to take the issue to the party high command.