Konda Surekha Dropped From Telangana Cabinet Amid Row Over Her Daughter’s Remarks Against CM Revanth Reddy

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has moved to remove Endowments Minister Konda Surekha from the state Cabinet, escalating an internal Congress dispute triggered by remarks made by her daughter, Konda Sushmitha Patel, against the Chief Minister and his family. The recommendation for Surekha’s removal has been sent to Governor Jishnu Dev Varma for formal action, according to a report.

Disciplinary Row Escalates

The action follows a weeks-long dispute within the Telangana Congress. The controversy intensified after Sushmitha publicly criticised Revanth Reddy over his support for Congress MLA Revuri Prakash Reddy in the Parkal Assembly constituency. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Invites Rajnath Singh to Inaugurate Raksha Expo at Invest Telangana Summit.

Sushmitha has expressed an interest in contesting the Parkal seat in the next election. Her remarks questioning the Chief Minister’s support for the sitting MLA triggered criticism from several Congress leaders.

The Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee’s disciplinary committee subsequently sought an explanation from Konda Surekha over her daughter’s comments. Surekha rejected the basis of the notice, arguing that her daughter is an adult and that her political views should not be attributed to her. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Announces Top Global School Partnerships, Offshore Campuses in Hyderabad.

Konda Surekha Defends Herself

Surekha has maintained that she did not make any objectionable remarks against Revanth Reddy or the Congress leadership. She also defended her record as a minister and said there were no corruption allegations against her.

After the removal move, Surekha questioned why she was being held responsible for her daughter’s statements. She also alleged that the action against her was politically motivated and questioned why other Congress leaders who had criticised the Chief Minister had not faced similar action.

Surekha has also said that she has no intention of leaving the Congress, despite speculation about her political future following the Cabinet decision.

Pressure From Congress Leaders

The dispute had divided opinion within the state Congress. Before the decision, several senior Congress leaders had urged the party high command to exercise caution before taking action against Surekha.

Two AICC general secretaries, two ministers and a senior Telangana Congress leader reportedly argued that removing her could have wider political consequences. Some leaders had suggested changing her portfolios instead of dropping her from the Cabinet.

However, the disciplinary process continued, with the TPCC committee eventually recommending action against Surekha. Revanth Reddy subsequently acted on the recommendation.

Changes in Key Telangana Posts

The Cabinet-related action was accompanied by changes in several important state positions. The appointment of senior Congress leader G Chinna Reddy as vice-chairman of the Telangana Planning Board was rescinded. Gadwal Vijayalakshmi has been designated as the new vice-chairperson.

Nerella Sharada has been appointed chairperson of the Telangana State Commission for Women, while former Rajya Sabha member G Sudha Rani has been approved as chairperson of the Kakatiya Urban Development Authority.

Formal Approval Still Pending

While Revanth Reddy has decided to drop Surekha from the Council of Ministers and the recommendation has been forwarded, the Governor’s formal action remains part of the process.

The episode marks a significant escalation of differences within the Telangana Congress, with the dispute moving from an internal disciplinary matter to a direct political confrontation between the Chief Minister and a senior party leader.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 03, 2026 06:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).