CM Revanth: Cong High Command Will Deal Konda Surekha Issue

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday said the Congress high command was examining the issue regarding minister Konda Surekha and would take a decision, and asserted that everyone would have to abide by the decision of the party leadership.

Speaking to the media here, Revanth Reddy declined to comment on the internal party matter or respond to speculation that Surekha could be dropped from the Cabinet. He said the party's disciplinary committee was examining the issue and its decision was awaited. He reiterated that decisions taken by the party high command and the disciplinary committee would have to be respected by all.

The issue came to the fore following remarks made by Surekha's daughter Sushmita Patel, against the Chief Minister and his family members at Geesukonda last week. Her remarks, described as anti-Chief Minister and anti-Congress, triggered protests among sections of the Congress.

The disciplinary committee subsequently took up the matter and served showcause notices on Surekha, questioning why she had failed to condemn her daughter's remarks despite being a Cabinet minister and senior party leader. Surekha later submitted two letters to the committee explaining her position.

After his media interaction, the Chief Minister held a meeting with a few ministers, MLAs, MLCs and MPs. Official sources said the Konda Surekha issue figured prominently at the meeting, with a majority of the leaders reportedly seeking stringent action against her.

However, the Chief Minister is understood to have told the leaders to remain patient and wait for the Congress high command to take a decision on the matter. He also reportedly advised them not to make any public comments on the Konda Surekha episode until the party high command takes a decision.