Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Sacks Minister Konda Surekha Following Daughter's Remarks

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has sacked Konda Surekha from the state cabinet with immediate effect. The Chief Minister's Office confirmed that a recommendation for her removal was sent to Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla. The decision follows a row over critical remarks made by Surekha's daughter against the Chief Minister and other party leaders during a meeting in Warangal on August 19. The Congress state disciplinary committee had recommended action against Surekha for failing to condemn those remarks.

In a broader shuffle, the Chief Minister also rescinded the appointment of G Chinna Reddy as vice chairman of the State Planning Board. Chinna Reddy had allegedly criticized party MLA Tudi Meghareddy by claiming the MLA purchased his party ticket. Gadwal Vijayalakshmi was appointed as the new vice chairperson of the State Planning Board. Additionally, Nerella Sharada was named chairperson of the Telangana State Commission for Women, and former MP G Sudha Rani was appointed chairperson of the Kakatiya Urban Development Authority.

These removals followed discussions in Delhi between Chief Minister Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, state Congress president B Mahesh Kumar Goud, and AICC leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal. Surekha also met with Kharge and Meenakshi Natarajan to present her version of events.

Surekha responded to her sacking by stating she was not at fault and that her daughter is an independent woman. She claimed the removal was part of a conspiracy involving leaders close to the Chief Minister and his brothers. She further questioned why other leaders who made controversial remarks against the Chief Minister were not punished. Despite her criticism of the process, Surekha stated she would remain in the Congress party and continue her duties as an MLA.