Telangana: Konda Couple Adopt Wait-And-Watch Approach
The government’s appointment of former Warangal mayor Gundu Sudharani as chairperson of the Kakatiya Urban Development Authority (KUDA) has added another dimension to the developments. Sudharani belongs to the same social community as Surekha and was given the nominated post soon after her removal from the cabinet
WARANGAL: The Congress high command’s decision to dismiss Konda Surekha from the state cabinet on Thursday has left the political future of the Konda couple uncertain, amid speculation they would join the BJP.
The decision followed a series of meetings in New Delhi involving Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, senior state leaders and Surekha. The development has led to discussions in the erstwhile Warangal district over the couple’s next political move.
The Konda couple has considerable personal influence in Warangal district. Their next political move would likely depend on the support they receive from their cadre, followers and the public.
Surekha is a prominent woman BC leader who has lost a ministerial position in Telangana. Political circles have compared the development with the removal of then deputy chief minister Dr Tatikonda Rajaiah, a Dalit leader, from the BRS cabinet after the formation of Telangana.
While there is speculation that Surekha would join the BJP, she is adopting a wait-and-watch approach. Her failure to announce a future course of action after meeting the Congress high command in Delhi has added to the speculation.
The response of the Konda couple’s cadre and followers has also emerged as a factor in the developments. Political circles noted that there was no significant mobilisation or show of strength outside Surekha’s residence following the announcement of her dismissal.
The Konda camp is understood to be reassessing its political strength before taking any major decision.
Meanwhile, the government’s appointment of former Warangal mayor Gundu Sudharani as chairperson of the Kakatiya Urban Development Authority (KUDA) has added another dimension to the developments. Sudharani belongs to the same social community as Surekha and was given the nominated post soon after her removal from the cabinet.
Political observers are watching how the Congress government will reshape its social and political equations in Warangal district. For now, Surekha is understood to be waiting for the situation to evolve before deciding her next move.
Whether she remains with the Congress, joins another political platform or waits for a more favourable opportunity remains uncertain. Her reported statement that she has not yet considered joining the BJP has further indicated that the Konda couple are currently adopting a wait-and-watch approach.