Revanth Reddy drops Konda Surekha from Telangana Cabinet

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has decided to drop Forest Minister Konda Surekha from the Telangana Cabinet with immediate effect, following the Congress high command’s approval after the TPCC Disciplinary Committee recommended stern action against her over her daughter’s allegations against the Chief Minister.

Hyderabad: In a move that is set to trigger political debates, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has decided to drop Forest Minister Konda Surekha from his Cabinet with immediate effect and rescinded the appointment of State Planning Board Vice Chairman G Chinna Reddy.

The decision to drop the Forest Minister from the Cabinet has already been informed to Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla’s Office.

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Ever since the TPCC Disciplinary Committee submitted its report on August 20 to TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud recommending stern action against both the senior leaders for violating the party disciplinary code, there has been a lot of curiosity and anxiety in Gandhi Bhavan over the party high command’s decision.

Konda Surekha’s daughter Konda Sushmitha had alleged that the Chief Minister had offered prime land to his brother’s shell company at a throwaway price. G Chinna Reddy had alleged Wanaparthy MLA T Megha Reddy was offered a party ticket to contest Assembly elections after being lured by money.

These outbursts drew criticism from party leaders, who demanded stern action against both the senior leaders. Though the Forest Minister contended that she cannot be held responsible for her daughter’s comments, a few MLAs demanded action against her.

The Chief Minister, the Forest Minister and a few other Ministers have been summoned by the party high command to discuss the issue. After a series of meetings, the high command gave its nod to drop Konda Surekha from the Cabinet.

Similarly, G Chinna Reddy’s appointment has also been rescinded and he is being replaced by Telangana Women’s Commission Chairperson Gadwal Vijayalakshmi as the new Vice Chairman of State Planning Board.

A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office said Nerella Sharada is appointed as the new Chairperson of the Women’s Commission. The Chief Minister also approved the appointment of former MP G Sudha Rani as the Chairperson of Kakatiya Urban Development Authority.

The Forest Minister is expected to announce her future course of action shortly. Whether she will tender her resignation from the party and Assembly is still not known.