If the pressure tactics by Congress MLAs from the erstwhile combined Warangal district succeed, firebrand leader and State Endowments Minister Konda Surekha may be on her way out of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s cabinet.
The aggressive behavior of Surekha and her husband, Konda Murali, has triggered internal conflict within the Congress party in Warangal.
Several district Congress leaders have reportedly issued an ultimatum to the party high command, demanding clarity on whether the party supports them or the Konda couple.
The controversy flared up after Murali, a former MLC, made veiled accusations against Station Ghanpur MLA Kadiyam Srihari and Parakal MLA Revuri Prakash Reddy, alleging that they had betrayed their previous parties — BRS and BJP respectively — by joining the Congress.
His remarks, made during Rahul Gandhi’s birthday celebrations on June 19, also targeted other leaders, including KR Nagaraju (Wardhannapet), G Satyanarayana Rao (Bhupalpally), MLC Baswaraju Saraiah, Warangal District Congress President Errabelli Swarna, and KUDA Chairman E Venkataram Reddy.
In response, the aggrieved MLAs held an emergency meeting at the residence of Warangal West MLA and Hanamkonda District Congress President Naini Rajender Reddy on Friday to protest what they described as the Konda family’s domination of the district.
MLAs Prakash Reddy and Srihari were particularly incensed by Murali’s claim that they were “traitors” to their former parties. Murali’s challenge that leaders like Srihari should resign and seek re-election only worsened tensions.
The MLAs have submitted complaints to the party leadership in Delhi, expressing deep dissatisfaction.
Telangana Congress in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan has reportedly assured that action will be taken based on these complaints.
However, party leaders are said to be considering drastic measures if swift action is not forthcoming. They accused the Konda couple of overstepping boundaries and stirring conflict in multiple constituencies.
The dissenting MLAs told Meenakshi Natarajan that they feel marginalized and humiliated, demanding the party take a clear stand — either support them or the Kondas. They allege that the Konda couple’s unilateral behavior is creating widespread tensions in the district.
Following the meeting with the MLAs, Natarajan reportedly conferred with PCC Disciplinary Committee Chairman Mallu Ravi, directing him to investigate and submit a report. She warned that those making controversial remarks would not be spared.
Party sources suggest disciplinary action against the Kondas is likely. If not, the disgruntled leaders are prepared to escalate the matter further by taking it to Delhi.
