Konda Surekha Alleges CM Revanth Reddy Forced Her Cabinet Ouster

HYDERABAD — Former minister Konda Surekha on Thursday alleged that she was dropped from the state Cabinet following blackmailing tactics by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who she claimed threatened to quit the party if she was not dismissed. Addressing a press conference in Hyderabad, Surekha claimed that the Congress central leadership had no intention of dropping her from the ministry.

Surekha maintained that she would continue serving as a Congress MLA and had not formulated any other political plan. She questioned why she was being penalised for remarks made by her daughter, noting that even a death row convict is granted a final wish, whereas she was stripped of her ministerial portfolio without being asked for an explanation. She also alleged that conspiracies were underway against her and her former officer on special duty, N. Sumanth.

Describing the manner of her removal as humiliating, Surekha argued that she had been singled out because she is a woman from the Backward Classes community. She denied ever criticising Revanth Reddy or the party leadership, questioning why leaders such as T. Jayaprakash 'Jagga' Reddy and Komatireddy Raj Gopal Reddy were given positions despite their past adverse remarks.

The legislator further alleged that she had been stripped of actual administrative powers long before her removal, with critical decisions concerning her department taken entirely without her consultation. She stated that she had committed no wrong and felt no regret, advising the Chief Minister to introspect instead.

Surekha also claimed that several sitting ministers and MLAs are dissatisfied with the administration's functioning, asserting that legislators are currently unable to execute development initiatives in their constituencies due to unfulfilled government assurances. She urged disaffected lawmakers to voice their concerns openly and recommended conducting a grassroots survey to evaluate public sentiment.

Recalling her past support for Revanth Reddy during his tenure as TPCC president and his elevation to Chief Minister, Surekha noted that she took pride in her role facilitating positions for three BC women. She also expressed opposition to any potential punitive action against Planning Board vice-chairman G. Chinna Reddy in connection with her ouster.