The 'cash for post' controversy has badly hit the Telangana Congress with several leaders demanding a detailed probe into the allegations leveled by MLC Rajalingam against former PCC President D Srinivas.
Rajalingam had alleged that Srinivas offered a bribe of Rs 10 lakh seeking support for his candidature for the post of Congress floor leader in the Telangana Legislative Council. Following Ramalingam's allegations, several other leaders demanded an enquiry into the allegations.
"The Congress party lost recent elections primarily due to the allegations of corruption against a few leaders. The allegations against Srinivas are very serious in nature and the Congress High Command should act tough to get rid of such corrupt leaders," demanded a senior T-Congress leader.
Another Congress leader recalled that the former PCC President has been often accused of selling away party tickets in different elections. In November 2009, several Congress leaders including former MP Sarve Satyanarayana, former MLAs Raji Reddy and Bhikshapati Yadav held protest before the residence of D Srinivas accusing him of selling away the party tickets.
While one Congress worker tried to immolate self, a few others threatened to set Srinivas' house ablaze on the charge of corruption. Similar allegations were leveled against him in 2004 elections.
"DS is habitual of indulging in corruption within the Congress party. He will buy top posts by paying bribes to some of his own party men and recover the same with huge profits at the time of ticket allocation or other occasions," alleged another Congress leader.
According to sources, AICC General Secretary Digvijay Singh and former union minister Vylar Ravi took serious note of Ramalingam's allegations. They also faced the wrath of other MLCs who strongly condemned Srinivas for offering bribe to secure the post of floor leader.
"Instead of working under tainted leaders like DS, I will prefer to quit the post and party," threatened one senior MLC.
