Danam quits Congress for neglect by party bosses

Hyderabad: After lying low in Congress affairs since the TRS wrested power in the State, former minister Danam Nagender today tendered his resignation from primary membership of Congress. He sent his letter to AICC president Rahul Gandhi and TPCC Chief N Uttam Kumar Reddy.

Speaking to the media here today, Danam Nagendar said he would reveal the reasons that forced him to quit the party on Saturday. He said he would discuss with his followers today and take a final decision. But the rumors have spread that Danam would be joining the ruling TRS party.

Danam suddenly bid an adieu to the party. He said he was striving all these days for working president post. He reportedly took a decision to quit party after receiving negative response from the party high command.

Danam’s main grouse was that the Greater Hyderabad Congress party president post was handed over to former MP Anjan Kumar Yadav without informing him though he was the president of the Greater Congress party.

Rumors also spread in the past that Danam Nagendar will leave the party. Danam attended the Governor’s dinner on the occasion of Republic Day though the party boycotted it. When asked about it at that time, Danam said he attended the dinner as he had close relations with the Governor. Then only rumors spread that Danam will leave the party, but Nagendar denied them immediately.

Nagender was elected as an MLA from Asifnagar constituency in 1994, 1999 and 2004. In 2009, he had won from Khairatabad Assembly constituency and worked as Health & Medical Minister in late Dr YS Rajasekhar Reddy regime. Danam shifted his loyalties in 2004 and joined the TDP and won the election. But the TDP lost the elections later and late YS Rajasekhar Reddy came to power. Surprisingly, Danam quit the TDP and his MLA post but lost the by-election.

Text of Danam Nagendar’s letter to AICC chief Rahul Gandhi

“It is with a sense of deep anguish and profound hurt that I address this communication. With a heavy heart I wish to convey that I would like to resign from the primary membership of the Congress party. As you aware, in long association with the Congress party spread over three decades, I have always strived for strengthening the party keeping aside personal interests. In the recent times, I have tried my best to explain to the party high command both at the State and Centre about the changing political scenario in Telangana State with particular reference to the welfare of the Backward Class communities which comprise over 50 percent of the populace.
“All my appeals have fallen on deaf ears. At the State-level, according importance to a section of the community, has alienated the BCs, SCs and STs as well as the Minorities from the party besides creating a sense of insecurity and dissatisfaction amongst them. Further due to lack of coordination, lack of dialogue with the cadre, neglect of grass root leaders has left the party rudderless and with no sense of direction. Infighting within the party, lack of leadership and disenchantment in the cadre has affected the morale of the party. It is these circumstances which are forcing me to take the step of resigning from the Congress party. I have tried a number of times to express my opinion on various issues pertaining to the party restructuring as well as welfare of the backward castes.
“Unfortunately the party leadership has not been able to take into cognizance my views. As president of GHCC, deliberate attempts have been made to dilute my role which was covering 24 Assembly constituencies. In a similar situation, Greater Mumbai and Delhi, the respective presidents have jurisdictions over the peripheral areas as well. Sadly in the case of GHCC, for petty gains the control over GHCC has been a source of confusion and anarchy. I have addressed resignation letters to the Congress Party president, chairperson UPA and president TPCC. (NSS)