Pressure mounts on Konda Surekha as Congress MLAs demand strict action

Pressure is mounting on Forest Minister Konda Surekha as around 20 Congress MLAs demanded action against her, Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy and Chinna Reddy. The MLAs alleged that their comments against Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and the government were damaging the party's image.

Hyderabad: Pressure appears to be mounting on Forest Minister Konda Surekha, with a section of Congress MLAs demanding strict action against her, including her removal from the Cabinet.

The MLAs also sought action against Munugode MLA Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy and State Planning Board Vice Chairman G Chinna Reddy.

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Around 20 Congress MLAs addressed a press conference here on Friday and condemned the conduct of the three leaders. They said their comments against Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and the Congress government were damaging the party’s image.

The demand for action against Konda Surekha follows remarks by her daughter, Konda Sushmitha, against the Chief Minister. Sushmitha had alleged that Revanth Reddy allotted prime land to his brother’s company at a throwaway price.

The issue has triggered a strong reaction from a section of Congress MLAs. Meanwhile, Medipally police have registered a case against Surekha’s former OSD Sumanth over an alleged physical assault. A complaint was lodged by an individual in connection with an incident reported on July 30.

Khanapur MLA Vedma Bhojju said the party leadership should take action against Surekha, Rajgopal Reddy or Chinna Reddy. “It could be Konda Surekha or Rajgopal Reddy or Chinna Reddy. Action has to be taken. Whether they should be suspended from the party or face any other action, the leadership should decide,” he said.

Nakrekal MLA V Veeresham also favoured action against the leaders. “People who question and oppose the Chief Minister’s decisions do not have the moral right to continue in the party,” he said. Veeresham also questioned Surekha’s position on her daughter’s remarks. If the Forest Minister claimed that she was not associated with her daughter’s comments, he asked why she did not condemn them.

Referring to earlier instances and criticising the conduct of the Konda family, MLA Nayini Rajender Reddy said they should quit the party before the leadership suspended them.

Senior leaders maintain silence

Rajgopal Reddy and Chinna Reddy have also been under scrutiny within the party over their critical comments against the Congress government and its functioning. Interestingly, the majority of the senior MLAs, Ministers and leaders are maintaining a strategic silence on these issues. They have not responded to the charges levelled by the trio, and their stance is triggering debate in the political circles and within the Gandhi Bhavan.