Telangana Minister Konda Surekha Dropped From Cabinet After Daughter's Attack on CM

Konda Surekha, a senior Congress leader and former Minister of Forest and Endowments in Telangana, was removed from the state cabinet on Thursday. Her dismissal came days after her daughter, Konda Sushmita, publicly criticised Chief Minister Revanth Reddy over ticket distribution for the Parkal constituency.

Surekha, who had tried to distance herself from her daughter's remarks and even met the party high command to save her position, called the sacking a "conspiratorial action" and accused the Chief Minister of "settling a grudge." She also alleged that Revanth Reddy resorted to "blackmail politics" by threatening to resign if she were not removed.

In a post on X, Surekha argued that she cannot be held responsible for her daughter's opinions. She pointed out that several Congress leaders who had openly criticised party icons like Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi continued to hold positions. "It is heartbreaking that they are using my daughter's words against me to settle a grudge," she wrote.

The trouble began when Konda Sushmita, who wants a Congress ticket from Parkal, challenged the Chief Minister's support for sitting MLA Revuri Prakash Reddy. She dared him to resign and contest, saying she would win as an independent if needed. "Who is he to decide the ticket?" she asked.

Surekha explained that her daughter was reacting to the party's announcement of a candidate without consulting local leaders. "We have won from this constituency three or four times. I am also an aspirant. How can a candidate be announced without asking anyone?" she said.

She also expressed disappointment that the high command did not inform her before the action. "Even a prisoner is asked for his last wish before execution," she remarked.

Despite the setback, Surekha said she will not leave the Congress party, citing her 30-year association and her husband's long connection with the party.