CM Revanth Likely to Visit Delhi on Sept 3; Fate of Konda Surekha, Cabinet Reshuffle on Agenda
The meeting is likely to discuss the disciplinary committee’s report on Surekha and other organisational and Cabinet-related issues.
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is likely to visit Delhi on September 3 to meet AICC leaders and discuss the issue concerning minister Konda Surekha, party sources said. The proposed meeting has triggered fresh speculation in Congress circles over Surekha’s possible removal from the Cabinet and a broader reshuffle of the Council of Ministers.
AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal, who is currently on a foreign tour, is expected to return to Delhi on September 2. The Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, TPCC president B. Mahesh Kumar Goud and AICC in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan are expected to meet Venugopal on September 3, sources said. The meeting is likely to discuss the disciplinary committee’s report on Surekha and other organisational and Cabinet-related issues.
The Congress disciplinary committee has submitted its report to the state party leadership recommending Surekha’s removal from the Cabinet for failing to condemn adverse remarks made by her daughter, Konda Sushmita, against Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and the party. The committee also reportedly found fault with Surekha’s explanation that she could not be held responsible for her daughter’s remarks and questioned how she could dissociate herself.
The report has subsequently been referred to the party high command for a final decision. The issue has assumed greater significance with the Chief Minister likely to take it up directly with the central leadership in Delhi.
At the same time, speculation is rife that Revanth Reddy may seek the high command’s approval not only for Surekha’s removal but also for a comprehensive Cabinet reshuffle. Two berths in the state Cabinet are still vacant, and the Chief Minister is keen to fill the vacancies and constitute a full-strength ministry, as the Congress government is set to complete three years in office in another three months on December 7. He is also reportedly considering changes in the portfolios of some incumbent ministers, including senior members of the Cabinet.
Sources said that if the high command gave its approval, the Chief Minister could undertake the reshuffle before the monsoon session of the Legislature on September 7. If a decision is delayed, the reshuffle could be taken up after the session concluded in the third week of September.
Meanwhile, Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar is seeking a berth in the Cabinet. Prasad Kumar, who belongs to the Dalit community, is being mentioned as a possible ministerial aspirant in the event of a reshuffle. Sources said Revanth Reddy was keen to continue the practice of having a Dalit leader as Speaker and was exploring options to appoint another legislator from the community to the post if Prasad Kumar was inducted into the Cabinet.
