Konda couple meets Natarajan, submit 16-page complaint on Telangana Congress affairs

Konda Murali and Forest Minister Konda Surekha met AICC in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan, submitting a 16-page complaint on Telangana Congress affairs, even as internal rifts intensify. The couple defended their conduct and reaffirmed loyalty to the party’s electoral prospects.

Hyderabad: The internal discord within the Telangana Congress deepened further with former MLC Konda Murali and Forest Minister Konda Surekha meeting AICC Telangana in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan in Hyderabad on Thursday.

The couple is learnt to have submitted a 16-page letter to Natarajan highlighting what they described as disturbing developments within the State unit of the party.

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The meeting came days after Murali appeared before the TPCC Disciplinary Committee in response to a complaint by former Congress MLAs from erstwhile Warangal district. The MLAs had alleged that the former MLC made objectionable comments and interfered in matters pertaining to other constituencies.

In turn, Murali filed a counter-complaint accusing the complainant MLAs of engaging in anti-party activities.

Amid this escalating intra-party tussle, the Konda couple met Natarajan at the MLA Quarters and presented their version of events.

Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Forest Minister Konda Surekha declined to comment on speculation that she might be dropped from the cabinet. “I am performing my duties and working to develop the Forest Department within the specified rules. I do not wish to comment on cabinet-related matters,” she said.

Murali asserted that he feared no one and was committed to the welfare and development of the Backward Classes. He denied charges of factional politics in Warangal Congress and dismissed allegations that he was interfering in other constituencies.

“Poor people approach leaders they believe can address their issues. That does not mean there is group politics in Warangal Congress,” Murali said. “It is common for performing leaders to be targeted, especially if they are influential in a particular region.”

He said the AICC in-charge was informed that the Konda family’s priority was to ensure the Congress party’s victory in all elections, including the upcoming local body polls.

When asked about her daughter Konda Sushmita’s political ambitions, Surekha said it was her daughter’s personal aspiration to contest from the Parakal constituency. “She is an adult, well aware of the political dynamics in the constituency. That said, we will abide by the party’s decision,” the Minister added.