Cong to take action against Venkataswamy

New Delhi/Hyderabad, Feb.2 (PTI) Taking strongexception to comments by senior party leader from AndhraPradesh G Venkataswamy against Sonia Gandhi, Congress todaysaid he has "lost his mental balance"" and that "appropriateaction" will be taken against him.

"He seems to have lost his mental balance," Congressspokesperson Abhishek Singhvi told reporters adding,"appropriate action will be taken against him at theappropriate time".

Venkataswamy''s "viciousness" in attacking Gandhi andhis "arrogance" certainly warrants action, Union Minister MVeerappa Moily, who is in charge of party affairs in AndhraPradesh, said.

Replying to questions, Moily, however, did not specifythe form of disciplinary action against the 82-year-old formerDeputy Leader of the party in the Lok Sabha.

Congress sources have said that the party chief hasthe power to summarily expel even a CWC member for anti-partyactivities.

"We have taken serious note of his arrogance, viciousattitude and such actions definitely warrants action," Moilytold PTI.

Asked about the type of action he was referring to, hemerely said: "Wait and see."

Moily said Congress has given everything toVenkataswamy and his family. "It is really shocking how he isrepaying his gratitude to the party which has endowed him thehighest benefits. He is highly ungrateful to a party whichnurtured him as a mother...(his remarks) are absolutelyabsurd, irresponsible, insensitive and grossly violative ofthe norms and standards of discipline on the Indian NationalCongress," he said.

On his part, Veknataswamy who appeared to havemellowed down, said in Hyderabad that he was ready to withdrawall his comments.

"I had to make those comments because I was worriedthat the party may suffer in the Telangana region. I am readyto withdraw all comments...I request her (Gandhi) for aseparate Telangana," he said.

He went on to say, "If I am expelled, party workersin Telangana would form a new outfit called TelanganaCongress."

The Law Minister said he spoke with Venkataswamy thismorning with regard to the veracity of his statement.

"He said he has indeed made such a statement,'' Moilysaid.

Venkataswamy, a Telangana leader, had demanded that heItaly-born Gandhi step down as party chief and make way for an"Indian".

In a no-holds-barred attack on Congress leadership,Venkataswamy alleged corruption has grown and that the nationand party were suffering from various ills. He also criticisedthe party over moves to tie up with Praja Rajyam Party headedby actor Chiranjeevi.

Congress sources said Venkataswamy''s attack needed tobe seen in the light of the fact that he was soon going to beout of the CWC which Gandhi is reconstituting.