By Claver Nyuki

The growing tension between MDC leader, Nelson Chamisa and his deputy, Tendai Biti continue to display its head with reports that the two had a heated argument during the party’s induction workshop at the Ancient Hotel in Masvingo on Saturday.

According to a source who spoke to Harare Post, Biti and the party Secretary for Information and Publicity, Daniel Molokele laid siege on Chamisa, accusing him of failing to adopt a confrontational approach in favour of his diplomatic approach which the duo claim to be failing to back government into dialogue.

The source added that Biti and Molokele are defiant that only demonstrations will achieve their desired results and challenged Chamisa to urgently call for nationwide demonstrations.

During the meeting, Biti and Molokele expressed concern that Chamisa was in Masvingo since 12 July 2019 but had failed to visit that party’s Deputy Chairperson, Job Sikhala in remand prison.

The source then revealed that Biti and Molokele blamed Chamisa for the party’s resounding loss in the Bikita East Ward 31 by-election, questioning why the party leader had failed to honour his pledge to address the final campaign rally in Bikita on 6 July 2019.

The duo also questioned Chamisa’s decision to continue with the Masvingo Provincial Chairperson, James Gumbi, accusing him of incompetency and demanded his immediate removal.

Gumbi as may be recalled was imposed by Chamisa ahead of the popular Tongai Matutu on allegations that Matutu was pro-Mwonzora in the drum up to the elective congress.

In addition, the source exposed that Chamisa was visibly shocked by the open confrontation from his deputy and Molokele and in his defence, shifted the blame to Morgan Komichi, alleging that he was the one responsible for coming up with his programme and he did not advise on appropriate date to visit Sikhala.

On the issue of the rally, Chamisa refuted allegations that he failed to honour his pledge and revealed that he had delegated to the party Chairperson, Tabitha Khumalo, Sikhala and the party’s Organising Secretary, Amos Chibaya since he was committed to the Reload launch preparations.

The source also revealed that Chamisa denied bias towards Gumbi and promised to look into the matter when he receives the Bikita East Ward 31 by-election report.

Chamisa also told the meeting that the party would continue with efforts to engage the international community to force diplomatic pressure on government to engage in dialogue.

The open fissures within the MDC seem to be escalating with the tussle for control of the party ahead of the 2023 elections reaching boiling point.