Konda Surekha said she would remain in Congress and serve her constituency as an MLA despite being removed from the Telangana Cabinet.

Konda Surekha Says She Will Remain in Congress

Hyderabad: Konda Surekha has declared that she will remain with the Congress and continue working for the development of her constituency after her removal from the Telangana Cabinet triggered a fresh political controversy.

The senior leader said she would discharge her responsibilities as an MLA and had no intention of changing parties. She maintained that she had committed no wrongdoing and questioned why she should face punishment or humiliation over comments made independently by her adult daughter, Konda Sushmitha Patel.

Surekha explained that she had initially avoided responding publicly because she wanted to protect her daughter’s dignity. She argued that a mother should not be held politically responsible for every statement made by an adult family member.

“I will remain in the Congress. As an MLA, I will continue working for the development of my constituency,” Surekha said. She also made it clear that she would not ask the party leadership to reverse the decision concerning her Cabinet position.

Revanth Reddy Faces Direct Criticism From Surekha

Surekha directly criticised Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, comparing his leadership style with that of former undivided Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy. She said Revanth Reddy did not maintain the same level of communication with the public and party leaders that YSR had demonstrated.

She also questioned what she described as inconsistent disciplinary standards within the Congress. Referring to previous statements made by senior leaders, Surekha asked why she alone was being held accountable when others who had criticised the party or its leadership continued to hold political positions.

Surekha said losing the ministerial post did not personally trouble her. Describing the position as an additional honour rather than the foundation of her political career, she asserted that her strength came from public support.

“We have the strength of the people. Nobody can do anything to us,” she said, adding that the absence of a ministerial position would not weaken her political standing.

Congress Government Faces Claims of Internal Dissatisfaction

Surekha alleged that several ministers, MLAs and Congress workers were unhappy with the functioning of the state government but were reluctant to express their concerns publicly. She urged dissatisfied leaders to speak openly, warning that similar action could be taken against others in the future.

According to Surekha, representatives were receiving petitions from residents, but many public grievances remained unresolved. She claimed that development work was not progressing at the expected pace and called for surveys to assess public opinion about the government.

She further argued that removing a woman minister from a Backward Classes community could damage the Congress’s image beyond Telangana. These claims represent Surekha’s position, and the party leadership is expected to respond through its official channels.

Telangana Congress Awaits the Leadership’s Next Move

Surekha also raised concerns about decisions involving the Yadadri temple administration, alleging that important stakeholders had not been adequately consulted. She had previously claimed that decisions connected to departments under her control were being taken without properly involving her.

The controversy intensified after remarks made by her daughter against Revanth Reddy and other Congress leaders. The Telangana Congress disciplinary committee subsequently recommended action, and the Chief Minister moved to remove Surekha from the Council of Ministers. The Governor later approved the decision.

Although her criticism exposed internal differences, Surekha stopped short of announcing a rebellion or departure from the Congress. Her decision to remain in the party while challenging the state leadership could keep the dispute alive and increase pressure on Congress leaders to address concerns over discipline, communication and representation.