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: Apart from triggering a political debate, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s decision to drop Forest Minister Konda Surekha from the State Cabinet is likely to deepen differences within the Telangana Congress, particularly along community and loyalty lines.

The decision to drop Surekha from the Cabinet has already been conveyed to the office of Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla.

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The move has once again brought to the fore concerns among ‘original’ Congress leaders that they are losing ground in the party to leaders who joined from other parties. The fact that State Planning Board Vice-Chairman G Chinna Reddy has also been removed from his post has added fuel to the argument. It may be recalled that the Chief Minister had joined the Congress from the Telugu Desam Party.

Both Konda Surekha and Chinna Reddy have been associated with the Congress for a long time. The manner in which the developments unfolded has not gone down well with a section of ‘original’ Congress leaders.

“Discipline is definitely important but, considering their seniority in the party, the State leadership should have invited them, discussed the issues and handled things in a better manner,” said a senior leader at Gandhi Bhavan.

Though the party high command gave its nod to remove Chinna Reddy from the post, the decision to drop Surekha from the Cabinet could take a community angle.

“Konda Surekha hails from the BC community. Though Chinna Reddy has been sacked, why is Munugode MLA Rajgopal Reddy being spared?” a BC leader from the party asked. The leader alleged that BC leaders were repeatedly being subjected to inconvenience and cited adverse reports in a section of the media against TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud.

The developments gained momentum after the TPCC Disciplinary Committee submitted its report to the TPCC president on August 20, recommending stern action against Surekha and Chinna Reddy on charges of violating the party’s disciplinary code. Since then, there has been considerable buzz and speculation at Gandhi Bhavan.

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

The remarks drew criticism from party leaders, who demanded stern action against both senior leaders. Though Surekha maintained that she could not be held responsible for her daughter’s comments, a few MLAs demanded action against her.

The Chief Minister, Surekha and a few other Ministers travelled to New Delhi on Monday to discuss the issue. Following a series of meetings, the party high command gave its nod to drop Surekha from the Cabinet.

In a related move, Chinna Reddy’s appointment as State Planning Board Vice-Chairman was also rescinded. Telangana Women’s Commission Chairperson Gadwal Vijayalakshmi will replace him as Vice-Chairman. A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office said Nerella Sharada had been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Women’s Commission. The Chief Minister also approved the appointment of former MP G Sudha Rani as Chairperson of the Kakatiya Urban Development Authority.

The statements were issued to the media on Thursday afternoon even before the Chief Minister landed in Hyderabad after his meetings in New Delhi.