Konda Surekha episode takes casteist twist; Daughter alleges suppression and humiliation

The controversy surrounding Forest Minister Konda Surekha has intensified, with her daughter Konda Sushmitha alleging caste-based suppression by Reddy leaders within the Congress. She contrasted their current treatment with the BRS regime and accused senior party figures of targeting her family.

Hyderabad: Beyond internal rivalries over contracts and commissions, the ongoing Konda Surekha episode has taken a sharper political turn, with the Minister’s family alleging systematic ‘targeting and suppression’ of Backward Classes (BCs) by Reddy leaders within the Congress party and government.

Konda Sushmitha, the Minister’s daughter, went so far as to claim that her family had been ‘happy and peaceful’ under the BRS regime compared to their treatment under their own party’s government.

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The tensions have been building for several days, particularly between Forest Minister Konda Surekha and Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy over his alleged interference in Medaram works tenders.

Surekha had previously expressed concern that certain Reddy leaders were attempting to tarnish her reputation. She had even skipped a review meeting chaired by Ponguleti last week and lodged a formal complaint with the party leadership.

Speaking to the media, Sushmitha said, “It is all Reddy’s supremacy in the party and in the government. BCs are being suppressed and it is very humiliating.”

She questioned the Congress government’s approach to her family, contrasting it with the BRS rule.

“We were happy and peaceful during the BRS rule in the State. Strangely, we are being targeted by our own government. Right from Advisor Vem Narender Reddy, Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy and Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, the Reddys are suppressing us,” Sushmitha alleged.

Sushmitha also criticised the Chief Minister’s treatment of her mother. “Despite being a firebrand, my mother cried a few times due to Revanth Reddy’s abusive approach towards her. She personally shared these experiences with me. Why belittle BCs?” she asked.

She recalled a humiliating experience during a meeting with AICC leaders in New Delhi, attended by AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge, the Chief Minister and other cabinet ministers. “In the meeting, my mother said there were a few issues in the administration that need to be addressed,” Sushmitha said.

“Reacting sharply, Revanth Reddy informed Mallikarjun Kharge that ‘this is the reason I do not allow her to visit my house’. He also said she keeps pointing fingers and comes up with several petitions.”

Sushmitha further questioned the Congress leadership’s commitment to BCs. “Congress MP Rahul Gandhi keeps assuring good times for BCs across the country, but here in Telangana we are being suppressed,” she alleged.

Hyderabad | Daughter of Telangana Minister Konda Surekha, Konda Sushmitha, has alleged that her mother is being targeted by the state government.

She says, “I am still on what I said yesterday….” pic.twitter.com/oYJpYAoxsT

— ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2025