The Congress party in Telangana is facing internal turbulence ahead of the Jubilee Hills assembly by-election, following the AICC’s official announcement of Naveen Yadav as the party’s candidate. This decision has triggered fresh unrest among senior party leaders, particularly Anjan Kumar Yadav, highlighting a widening ‘veteran vs. junior’ divide within the party.

Senior Leader’s Discontent : Anjan Kumar Yadav, widely regarded as a stalwart in Hyderabad politics, expressed his disappointment to the media, alleging that the high command’s decision undermined his longstanding service. “I am very hurt by the party’s actions. I have never been defeated, yet now everyone has defeated me together,” he said. Anjan emphasized his decades-long loyalty to Congress, including serving twice as Hyderabad Congress president and contributing during challenging times, including being treated on a ventilator during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sources reveal that Anjan’s name was initially a frontrunner for the Jubilee Hills ticket. With his extensive experience as a two-time MP and party working president, Anjan played a pivotal role in reviving Congress in Hyderabad city. However, only Naveen Yadav’s name was officially announced by AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, intensifying factional tensions.

Party Leadership Responds; Minister Ponnam Prabhakar acknowledged Anjan Yadav’s importance to the party, stating, “We thought Anjan would contest Jubilee Hills. But in the current situation, the high command has allotted the ticket to someone else.” AICC in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan also confirmed she met with Anjan to address concerns, recognizing his contribution while defending the high command’s decision as being in line with the party’s broader strategy.

Implications for the By-Election : Analysts suggest that this internal dissent could significantly impact Congress’s prospects in Jubilee Hills, a constituency where the by-election is expected to be fiercely contested between BRS and BJP. Naveen Yadav has assured cooperation, but the absence of unanimous support from senior leaders like Anjan may weaken campaign cohesion.

While the strategy of fielding younger candidates may aim to rejuvenate the party, it risks deepening generational divides and eroding veteran support. Observers note that the Jubilee Hills by-election could serve as a litmus test for Congress unity in Telangana, with potential repercussions for future electoral strategies if internal disputes remain unresolved.

In conclusion, Congress faces a critical juncture: bridging the gap between senior and emerging leadership to present a united front or risking further fragmentation ahead of a high-stakes by-election.