For quite some time, Telangana endowments minister Konda Surekha Surekha had been in the news for wrong reasons, particularly for picking up quarrels with the local Congress leaders and fellow MLAs in Warangal district.
She also hit the deadlines for shielding her officer on special duty (OSD) N Sumanth, who was suspended from his job for allegedly threatening the cement companies to extort kickbacks.
Her daughter made disparaging comments against chief minister A Revanth Reddy.
Later, Surekha tendered an unconditional apology to the chief minister and promised to mend her ways. But the latest incident shows she has not changed at all, as she continues to kick up controversies.
This time, the controversy was over a floral tribute ceremony marking the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on Friday.
During the event at Kashibugga in Warangal, local Congress leaders led by DCC President Errabelli Swarna placed a garland on Indira Gandhi’s statue.
However, moments later, Surekha’s supporters removed Swarna’s garland and replaced it with one brought by the minister.
A video of the incident has gone viral on social media, sparking criticism from within the Congress ranks.
Party leaders say Surekha’s act reflects her “continued disregard for party unity.”
Despite holding a cabinet position, the minister is accused of alienating local leaders and running the party “her own way.”
Several district Congress leaders have complained to the high command, expressing frustration over her “divisive behaviour.”
“She is supposed to lead collectively, but she prefers confrontation even on trivial matters,” a senior leader said.
The incident has deepened rifts within the Warangal Congress unit. Some leaders allege that the high command’s inaction has emboldened Surekha.
“She behaves as if the rules don’t apply to her. If the leadership remains silent, the local unit will continue to suffer,” one party functionary said.
Surekha’s critics point out that despite claiming to have “no quarrels with anyone,” she frequently ends up in disputes with colleagues.
The latest garland episode, they say, has left DCC chief Swarna humiliated and the party leadership embarrassed.
