Konda Surekha: Will Continue As MLA, NO Immediate Plans To Quit Cong
The manner of her removal was humiliating: Minister Konda Surekha
HYDERABAD: Minister Konda Surekha on Thursday alleged that she was removed from the Cabinet due to the “blackmailing tactics” of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and claimed that the Congress high command had no intention of dropping her. Addressing a press conference after her removal, Surekha alleged that Revanth Reddy had threatened to leave the party if she was not dismissed.
On her political future, Surekha said she had not considered any “Plan B” and would continue as a Congress MLA. Asking how she could be held responsible for her daughter’s remarks, Surekha said, “Even a prisoner sentenced to death is asked for his last wish. But I was removed without being asked for an explanation.” She alleged that conspiracies were being hatched against her and her former officer on special duty (OSD) N. Sumanth.
Surekha denied criticising Revanth Reddy or the Congress and questioned why action was being taken against her for her daughter’s remarks while other leaders who had criticised the party leadership had been given positions. She said the manner of her removal was humiliating and alleged that she had been targeted as she was a woman from the Backward Classes community.
She alleged that she had been deprived of ministerial powers, with decisions in her department taken without her involvement.
Surekha claimed that ministers and MLAs were unhappy with the government’s functioning and urged them to speak openly. She alleged that legislators were unable to get development works done and that unfulfilled assurances had created public resentment. She suggested a grassroots survey to assess the situation.
She said the Congress needed major changes to return to power and questioned whether action had been taken against T. Jayaprakash ‘Jagga’ Reddy and Komatireddy Raj Gopal Reddy for their adverse remarks. She said she had committed no wrong and had no regrets, and advised the Chief Minister to introspect.
Surekha said she had strongly supported Revanth Reddy as TPCC president and as Chief Minister. She said she was happy that her political role had helped three women from the BC community secure positions and opposed taking action against Planning Board vice-chairman G. Chinna Reddy for the sake of her ouster.