NAVEENA GHANATE
The AICC seems to be running a parallel governance structure in Telangana, with local rumours indicating that the party’s state in-charge, Deepadas Munshi, is playing the central role in it.
As per convention, the AICC in-charges make periodic visits to states, but Munshi’s extended presence and the renting of a house, reportedly costing lakhs, have raised eyebrows among political observers.
What began as private accusations has now become a topic of open debate. Congress leaders themselves have dubbed Munshi the ‘Viceroy of Telangana,’ a reference to the colonial administrators claiming that she has set up a de facto government.
Some have accused her of channelling money and the opposition BRS and BJP have said, “She has opened a shop here and is sending money bags.”
The charge of creating an extra-constitutional
power centre was fuelled by reports of Munshi allegedly attending government meetings held at the secretariat.
BJP leaders also accused her of accepting expensive gifts in exchange for political favours, with one incident involving a Mercedes leading to legal action against Munshi.
The Congress itself is divided on the matter. While no former AICC in-charges have established a permanent base in Telangana, Munshi’s move to rent a house has drawn sharp comments from within her party.
“No in-charge comes and stays here. But renting a house costing lakhs is something unheard of,” a Congress source said. The Telangana government is finding it increasingly difficult to manage the narrative being pushed by the opposition.
Even though the government is trying to implement its programmes, Munshi’s presence has undermined it, with critics dubbing her as an alternative power centre.
Some leaders, initially close to Munshi, have now started speaking out against the government. Amidst this political tug-of-war, it remains to be seen whether the AICC will step in to clear the air.
The allegations and rising tensions have cast a shadow over the Congress’s strategy in the run-up to the Assembly elections in some states.
