Kadiyam Hits Back As Row With Surekha Escalates

 Warangal: A political dispute between endowments minister Konda Surekha and Station Ghanpur MLA Kadiyam Srihari escalated on Wednesday, with the former deputy chief minister criticising the minister’s approach to governance.

Addressing the media in Warangal, Srihari said public issues were being overlooked while “unnecessary controversies” were being given importance. He said several civic and development concerns in Warangal East required immediate attention.

He cited the absence of a permanent superintendent at MGM Hospital and inadequate drainage infrastructure in Warangal city as priority issues, stating that the government’s focus should remain on development and public welfare.

Rejecting criticism over his interaction with endowments department officials, Srihari said he had not conducted an official review meeting but had only discussed temple development and related works in his constituency.

"I have never seen a minister who says an MLA should not speak to officials," Srihari remarked, adding that elected representatives and government officials must work in coordination to ensure development and public welfare.

He said meeting officials to address public grievances was part of an MLA’s responsibilities and questioned the objections raised against his interaction with the department. He also denied allegations of exceeding his authority, stating that there was a lack of clarity over the distinction between an official departmental review and discussions on constituency-related issues.

The remarks come a day after minister Surekha reportedly complained to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy over Srihari’s meeting with endowments department officials, alleging that it bypassed ministerial authority and violated administrative procedures.