Konda Surekha, Seethakka and Others Tie Rakhi to CM Revanth Reddy
Konda Surekha wished that the sacred Rakhi bond would grow stronger and that the lives of every brother and sister would be filled with love, joy and happiness.
Hyderabad: Amid the demand for disciplinary action against her, forest minister Konda Surekha on Friday visited Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s residence in Jubilee Hills along with her Cabinet colleague Seethakka and tied a rakhi to him on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
The visit assumed political significance as it was Surekha’s first meeting with Revanth Reddy after the recent controversy over adverse remarks made by her daughter, Konda Sushmitha, against the Chief Minister.
Surekha tied a gold rakhi to Revanth Reddy and offered him sweets. She also tied rakhis to the Chief Minister's grandson and son-in-law. The Chief Minister’s wife Geetha and daughter Nymisha were also present. The gesture came days after the Congress disciplinary committee recommended action against Surekha, including her removal from the Cabinet, for failing to condemn her daughter’s remarks.
Speaking to media persons later at her residence, Surekha said it was the third time she had tied a rakhi to Revanth Reddy. “I also tied rakhis to his grandson and son-in-law. I will not make any political comments on the occasion of the festival. I am a sister to everyone,” she said.
Surekha said women would always stand by Revanth Reddy and prayed to God to give him the strength to develop Telangana. She wished that the blessings of women and daughters would always remain with Revanth Reddy and that he would be blessed with the strength to provide good governance and take Telangana forward in all sectors.
The TPCC disciplinary committee had issued a notice to Surekha seeking her explanation.
In her response, Surekha maintained that she could not be held responsible for her daughter’s remarks and questioned how she could be held accountable for her daughter’s views. The response was viewed by sections of the party as lacking an unequivocal condemnation of the remarks. The disciplinary committee subsequently recommended action against her, and the matter has now been referred to the party high command for a final decision.
Against this backdrop, the Raksha Bandhan gesture has triggered speculation about a possible easing of tensions between the two leaders. However, the formal disciplinary process is continuing and the final decision rests with the AICC, party sources said.
After the meeting, Revanth Reddy posted on X that ministers Seethakka and Konda Surekha had tied rakhis to him on the festival symbolising the bond between brothers and sisters. He wished that Raksha Bandhan would bring happiness to every girl and woman.
Minister Seethakka said she had been doing so every year for the past 12 years.
Recalling Revanth Reddy’s support in her political journey, Seethakka said his encouragement had played an important role in helping her, a tribal woman, reach the position of the minister. She wished happiness and prosperity for people across Telangana and said she would continue dedicating her life to public service.
