Telangana Chief Minister Removes Konda Surekha from Cabinet
In a significant political move, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy dismissed Konda Surekha, the state’s minister for endowments and forests, from his cabinet on Thursday. This decision followed approval from the Congress party leadership, citing disciplinary reasons.
The Chief Minister communicated the recommendation for her removal to Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, and an official statement from the Chief Minister’s Office confirmed that the action would take effect immediately.
Konda Surekha, who has served five terms as a legislator and is 61 years old, received a show-cause notice from the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee’s disciplinary panel earlier, on August 20. This notice was issued in response to remarks made by her daughter, Konda Sushmita, who criticized both the party and the Chief Minister during a meeting in Warangal.
Additionally, the Chief Minister has also revoked the appointment of former minister G. Chinna Reddy as vice-chairman of the Telangana Planning Board. He has been replaced by Gadwal Vijayalakshmi. Chinna Reddy also faced a show-cause notice due to his allegations that a sitting MLA had “purchased” their party ticket during the 2023 assembly elections.
As part of the cabinet reshuffle, Nerella Sharada was appointed as the chairperson of the Telangana State Commission for Women, while former MP G. Sudha Rani was named chairperson of the Kakatiya Urban Development Authority.
Konda Surekha Responds to Dismissal
In response to her removal, Konda Surekha expressed her disappointment, stating that the Congress leadership acted without giving her a chance to explain herself. She argued it was unfair to penalize her for comments made by her daughter, emphasizing that her daughter is an independent adult capable of her own opinions.
“I’m not upset about losing my position, but the manner in which it happened hurts. I wasn’t even asked for my side,” she told reporters at her home in Hyderabad.
Surekha defended her daughter’s right to speak freely, stating she could not question or disown her personal views. During a press conference, she shared a letter addressed to the Congress high command, questioning why she was the only one facing consequences while others—like former MLA T. Jagga Reddy and MLA Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy—who had also criticized the Chief Minister, faced no repercussions.
She suggested that her dismissal might be part of a larger scheme involving close allies of the Chief Minister. “Some individuals have conspired against my supporters, including my former officer on special duty, who was wrongfully arrested,” Surekha claimed.
Despite the challenges, Konda Surekha affirmed her commitment to the Congress party, stating she would not switch parties and would continue to serve as an MLA, while encouraging other discontented leaders to voice their concerns over the current state of governance and party dynamics. She emphasized the need for a change in approach as the municipal elections approach.
Chinna Reddy, the former vice-chairman, could not be reached for comment regarding these developments.
