Senior Telangana Congress leader and former minister T Jeevan Reddy on Wednesday resigned from the party, protesting against the encouragement of defectors from other parties and the state party leadership’s continued neglect of senior leaders.
In his letter to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) chief, the former minister said he ended his 42-year association with the party on a “bad note” as he was frustrated with the constant humiliation in the party.
He said he had resigned from the primary membership of the party as well as his membership of the AICC Executive Committee.
Addressing party workers and followers at his residence in Jagtial, Jeevan Reddy said his decision was driven by a deep sense of disappointment over the party’s performance in Telangana, especially its stand on defections and internal leadership issues.
He alleged that the Telangana Congress leadership was acting contrary to the principles and decisions of Rahul Gandhi, especially on the issue of party defections. He said the appointment of Jagtial MLA Dr M Sanjay Kumar to Congress was one of the main reasons behind his decision to resign.
Jeevan Reddy said that the Congress government in Telangana was the result of the hard work and sacrifices made by long-time party workers and leaders, and wondered how the party could embrace those who have allegedly troubled Congress leaders and cadres for the last 10 years.
In a strongly worded attack, the former minister said that the developments in the Telangana Congress could have repercussions at the national level as well. He accused the state leadership of undermining the party’s ideological slogans like “Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan, Jai Babu” and said the party’s current political direction was hurting its credibility.
Pointing out that Revanth Reddy could become Prime Minister only because of the tireless efforts of Congress workers, he expressed his anguish that these workers and senior leaders are now being sidelined.
Jeevan Reddy revealed that he wrote to the party high command in October 2024, detailing the conditions prevailing within the party. However, he said no meaningful action has been taken.
He claimed that over the past two years he had faced repeated humiliation and disrespect within the party. Referring to a personal and emotional incident, Jeevan Reddy said that when his supporter Gangareddy was killed, the Prime Minister did not even call to offer condolences. “What is the point of continuing in the party when I cannot protect my supporters and party workers are being killed?” he asked.
In an emotional appeal to his supporters, Jeevan Reddy said he never sought power or position for his own sake, but expected only dignity and respect from the party he served for over four decades. “I don’t want a position. I want respect,” he added.
