Konda Surekha Questions Congress Action, Criticises Revanth Reddy After Cabinet Exit

Former Telangana minister Konda Surekha has publicly questioned the Congress leadership’s decision to remove her from the state cabinet, while also making sharp remarks about Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and the functioning of the state government.

Speaking to the media after her removal, Surekha said that she was not upset merely because she lost her ministerial position. Instead, she expressed disappointment over the manner in which the decision was taken. According to her, she was not given prior information or an opportunity to explain her position before the action was taken.

Her comments have added another layer to the growing political controversy within the Telangana Congress. The dispute had intensified following remarks made by her daughter, Konda Sushmita Patel, concerning political developments in the Parkal Assembly constituency and Revanth Reddy's position on the local Congress leadership. The issue subsequently came under the party's disciplinary process.

Surekha Questions Why Action Was Taken Against Her

One of the main points raised by Surekha was the perceived difference in the way the Congress has dealt with criticism from its leaders.

She questioned why disciplinary action was being taken against her when, according to her, several leaders had previously made critical comments about the party or its leadership without facing similar consequences. She referred to remarks made by senior political figures in the past and argued that the party appeared to be applying different standards in different situations.

Her argument was not limited to her cabinet dismissal. Surekha used the occasion to raise broader questions about internal democracy and communication within the Telangana Congress. She suggested that party leaders should be able to openly discuss their concerns instead of allowing disagreements to remain behind closed doors.

Criticism of Revanth Reddy's Working Style

Surekha also directed criticism at Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, particularly over accessibility and decision-making within the government.

She claimed that meeting the Chief Minister and getting government matters addressed had become difficult. According to her, representations and requests from leaders were not always receiving the attention they expected, and she expressed dissatisfaction with the way administrative decisions were being handled.

The former minister further argued that the Chief Minister should reconsider his approach, particularly with elections approaching. In her view, the Congress would need to maintain unity and bring different sections of the party together rather than allowing internal divisions to grow.

Her comments are significant because they come from a senior Congress leader who had been part of the Revanth Reddy cabinet since the party formed the government in Telangana in December 2023.

Reference to Other Congress Leaders

During her interaction with the media, Surekha also referred to other Congress leaders who, she claimed, had criticised the party in the past.

She questioned why those earlier instances had not resulted in comparable disciplinary measures. By raising these examples, she sought to challenge the argument that her own case warranted such strong action.

She also made pointed comments about some leaders who, according to her, had previously sought support from her political camp but were now criticising her. The remarks reflected the intensity of the disagreement and the personal as well as political dimensions of the current controversy.

Secret Letter to Congress High Command

Another issue addressed by Surekha was a letter she said she had sent to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.

She maintained that the communication was confidential and denied sharing its contents publicly. Her statement comes amid growing speculation about internal discussions within the party following the dispute.

The Congress leadership has been examining the controversy through its disciplinary mechanism. Revanth Reddy had earlier indicated that the matter was before the party's disciplinary committee and that he would abide by the decision of the high command.

Political Tensions Rise in Telangana Congress

The latest developments underline the continuing friction within the ruling Congress in Telangana. What began with controversy surrounding remarks linked to the Parkal constituency has expanded into a wider debate over party discipline, leadership and internal communication.

The removal of Surekha from the cabinet marks a significant development, while her decision to publicly challenge the reasoning and process behind the action could keep the issue alive within the party.

For Congress, the immediate challenge will be to contain the disagreement and maintain organisational unity. Surekha, meanwhile, has made it clear through her latest comments that she does not intend to remain silent about what she considers unfair treatment.

With political activity expected to intensify ahead of upcoming electoral battles, the dispute could become an important test of the Telangana Congress leadership's ability to manage differences among senior leaders while maintaining a united political front.