Jana-Ponnala spat ends Congress meet abruptly
Emergency executive meeting of TPCC, which was convened to primarily to discuss the alleged torture of Dalits in Sircilla-Rajanna district, turned into a heated argument between the Leader of Opposition in Assembly K Jana Reddy and former PCC president Ponnala Lakshmaiah and the meeting ended abruptly.
​Hyderabad: Emergency executive meeting of TPCC, which was convened to primarily to discuss the alleged torture of Dalits in Sircilla-Rajanna district, turned into a heated argument between the Leader of Opposition in Assembly K Jana Reddy and former PCC president Ponnala Lakshmaiah and the meeting ended abruptly.
It all happened due to misunderstanding on the part of Jana Reddy. During a discussion, TPCC general seceratry Bukka Judson said that during Congress regime, Dalits were not arrested merely on suspicion even when the naxal menace was at its peak. Whatever arrests had taken place they were based on evidence and at that time Jana Reddy was the Home Minister, he said.
Leader of Opposition Jana Reddy, who misunderstood, reacted stating that during Congress regime no one was suppressed. It was wrong on the part of Judson to say that there was suppression of Dalits. It would send a wrong message.
Intervening in the matter, former PCC president Ponnala Lakshmaiah said that it seems the senior leader had not understood the issue. At this point, Jana Reddy raising his voice questioned Ponnala as to what prompts him to intervene.
Taken aback, Ponnala said that it would be proper if the senior leader speaks in a moderate tone. To ensure that things do not take ugly turn, TPCC president Uttam Kumar Reddy announced that the meeting was closed.
