Congress high command faces tough call on Konda Surekha as BC groups rally support

Forest Minister Konda Surekha faces mounting pressure within the Congress after her daughter’s remarks against Chief Minister Revanth Reddy triggered unrest in the party. While several MLAs demand stern action, BC organisations have warned of consequences if she is removed.

Hyderabad: Amid the political unrest in the ruling party, triggered by Forest Minister Konda Surekha‘s daughter Konda Sushmitha’s comments against Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, two questions are dominating discussions in Gandhi Bhavan, the party headquarters.

Will the high command approve the removal of Surekha from the Cabinet? If she is removed, who will replace her? These questions are being widely debated within the party and political circles too.

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Several MLAs have demanded strict action against the Minister. SC Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman and Animal Husbandry Minister Vakiti Srihari have also criticised the conduct of Surekha and her daughter. Party sources said the State leadership was firm about taking stern action against the Minister. However, some leaders believe it may not be easy for the high command to act against her as she is a woman and belongs to the BC community.

The issue has assumed significance as the Congress government is already facing criticism over its failure to fulfil its promise of implementing 42 per cent reservations for BCs. Besides, some BC organisations have rallied behind Surekha and warned of consequences if she is removed from the Cabinet.

“It will not be easy for the high command to take a decision. It could prove counterproductive in the long run,” a senior party leader said.

TPCC Disciplinary Committee Chairman Mallu Ravi has already said there is no time frame for taking a decision. However, there is speculation within the party that action could be initiated against Surekha after Revanth Reddy returns to Hyderabad on Monday.

Unconfirmed reports suggested that AICC in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan was seeking the opinions of senior MLAs and Ministers before taking a decision.

Meanwhile, speculation is also rife over Surekha’s possible replacement in the Cabinet. Vemulawada MLA Aadi Srinivas is being seen as a strong contender as he belongs to the BC community and is considered close to the Chief Minister.

Another section of leaders believes that if the high command decides to remove Surekha, MLC Vijayashanthi could be considered for the post. The move could help the high command assert its authority while also countering criticism over the removal of a woman Minister by replacing her with another woman. The high command had surprised the party by announcing Vijayashanthi’s candidature in the MLC elections last March. She is also considered close to the central leadership.