High Command monitoring all: TPCC Chief

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) President Mahesh Kumar Goud firmly declared the recent "panchayati" (dispute) among state ministers a "closed chapter," emphasizing that the party's high command is closely monitoring all situations in the state. 

"Everyone is under the high command's radar," Goud asserted, warning leaders to speak judiciously as "walls have ears" in these times. In an informal interaction with media in New Delhi on Sunday, TPCC Chief stressed that the high command observes every development, urging unity and caution to avoid internal discord ahead of key elections.

Goud's remarks came amid ongoing tensions, particularly referencing Konda Surekha's daughter Konda Sushmita's controversial comments on caste and religion, which he deemed "objectionable." He advised that no leader should discuss castes or religions anywhere, adding, "The higher one rises, the more one should bend." Regarding the recent police incident involving Sushmita's OSD, he attributed it to a mere "communication gap," noting her claim of panicking upon police arrival. He accused BRS leaders KTR and Harish Rao of exploiting the episode for political advantage.

On organizational matters, Goud revealed possibilities of assigning District Congress Committee (DCC) responsibilities to select MLAs, calling it a positive step in certain areas. He confirmed that Water Resources Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy's wife, Padmavathi Reddy, has applied for a DCC president post, with the high command seeking opinions—Uttam has already submitted his views. Goud clarified that family members already serving the party face no hurdles, but newcomers seeking posts outright would be denied. He reiterated the party rule against dual posts: "If selected for one, resign from the other." Personally, he quipped that even his son wouldn't get a post if he approached now, underscoring merit over nepotism.

Turning to electoral prospects, Goud exuded confidence in Jubilee Hills, predicting a strong win with a good majority. He highlighted that 46,000 households in the constituency are benefiting from government welfare schemes, countering BRS's decade-long dominance there. Questioning past "vote theft" allegations—first raised by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy—he insisted officials and ministers must remain accountable.

Goud lambasted the central government's inadequate support to Telangana, accusing Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy of obstructing Metro Phase-2 expansion. He urged post-election collaboration for development: "Politics ends with polls; work together for progress." 

Criticizing BJP's perennial reliance on religion and caste for votes, Goud slammed Kishan Reddy for achieving little in Secunderabad yet seeking religious votes, and Bandi Sanjay for "crude" remarks as a Union Minister. On BRS, he respected KCR as a "movement leader" but blamed his regime for bankrupting the state. He called out KCR's indifference in the Banakacharla incident and urged K. Kavitha— a key player in the past decade's governance—to "speak facts" on martyrs' justice, questioning why it was denied then.

Goud stressed Congress's commitment to constituency-wise development, distancing from personal family probes like those involving Maganti's kin, known only via media. "Our culture isn't to delve into personal matters," he said, reinforcing ethical politics.