A shocking incident unfolded in Jagityal as Maru Gangareddy, a close associate of Congress MLC T. Jeevan Reddy, was brutally murdered. The murder occurred around 8 AM when Gangareddy was reportedly run over by a car while returning home. Following the crash, the attacker, identified as Santosh, stabbed Gangareddy to death. This gruesome crime has caused a major political uproar in the region.
The Response from MLC Jeevan Reddy
MLC T. Jeevan Reddy, who was deeply affected by the murder of his trusted aide, staged a protest in Jagityal to express his frustration and anger towards the Congress leadership. Reddy’s public outcry highlighted the internal struggles and dissatisfaction within the Congress party, particularly regarding the protection of its loyal supporters in Telangana.
Speaking to the media, Jeevan Reddy openly criticized the Congress leadership for failing to address the safety concerns of its members. “I am vexed and tired of this humiliation. I do not want you and your party,” Reddy declared, pointing to his growing disillusionment with the state leadership.
Political Fallout: A Leadership Crisis?
Jeevan Reddy’s frustration stems from a broader dissatisfaction within the party over the handling of security and support issues. The Congress MLC has been vocal about the failure of the police to provide adequate protection to his followers, especially given the rising tensions in the Jagityal constituency. He further mentioned that despite repeated complaints about the lack of support, no meaningful action had been taken by the state leadership.
“The situation has reached a point where we must introspect about our position within the Congress party,” Jeevan Reddy said. He hinted that Congress defectors and the ruling BRS party might be responsible for creating an environment of fear and insecurity.
Gangareddy’s Murder: A Personal Loss for Jeevan Reddy
Maru Gangareddy’s death was not just a political event; it was a personal loss for Jeevan Reddy. He described Gangareddy as a staunch Congress follower and a dedicated supporter of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. The murder has left a void in Reddy’s political and personal life, leading to questions about the future of his association with the Congress.
In his emotional statement, Jeevan Reddy reflected on the party’s failure to address its internal issues and questioned his own future in politics. “Why should I continue in politics? I will rather serve the people through an NGO,” he said, underscoring his frustration with the lack of support from the party leadership.
Reaction from Congress Leaders
Despite attempts by TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud and Congress Whip Adluri Laxman to console Jeevan Reddy, their efforts fell short. Though both leaders accompanied Reddy during his protest, they were unable to ease his growing disillusionment with the party.
The Congress leadership’s inability to manage defections and internal strife has come under scrutiny, as Reddy’s public statements highlight the party’s deepening crisis in Telangana. The entry of turncoat leaders into the Congress has also worsened the situation, causing long-standing members like Reddy to feel sidelined and unappreciated.
KTR’s Take on Law and Order in Telangana
In response to the escalating tensions, BRS working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) addressed the larger issue of law and order in Telangana. He echoed Jeevan Reddy’s concerns, stating that the murder reflects a broader problem within the state.
“Law and order in Telangana has been a major concern,” KTR said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He attributed the state’s deteriorating situation to the absence of a full-time Home Minister and the police being overly involved in political affairs. “Our efficient police officers need to focus on maintaining peace and harmony,” he added, hoping that the political leadership would prioritize law enforcement over politics.
The Larger Political Context
The murder of Gangareddy has not only sparked tensions within the Congress but has also fueled political debates in Telangana. The rise in political violence and the growing dissatisfaction among Congress members have created a volatile situation in the state.
As Jeevan Reddy’s protest indicates, the internal divisions in the Congress are deepening, leading to public outbursts of frustration from senior leaders. This public dissent could have far-reaching consequences for the party’s future in Telangana, especially as it grapples with defections, leadership crises, and law-and-order challenges.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Congress in Telangana?
The brutal murder of Maru Gangareddy has shone a harsh light on the internal issues plaguing the Congress in Telangana. MLC Jeevan Reddy’s public outcry underscores the growing dissatisfaction among party loyalists, who feel abandoned and unprotected. As political violence increases and internal divisions widen, the Congress leadership faces a critical juncture. Whether it can address these issues and retain the loyalty of its senior members like Jeevan Reddy remains to be seen. This incident could well mark a turning point in the party’s political fortunes in Telangana.