‘Revanth Reddy indulged in blackmail politics’ : Konda Surekha after Cabinet ouster
Telangana minister Konda Surekha, who was dropped from the Cabinet on Thursday, accused Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy of indulging in “blackmail politics” to push for her removal despite the Congress high command being opposed to the move.
Surekha said she had committed no wrongdoing and was not given an opportunity to explain her position before being removed from the council of ministers.
“It is painful that I was removed from the council of ministers without being informed and without being given any reasons,” she told reporters shortly after the decision.
Surekha claimed the Congress high command had no intention of removing her but alleged that Revanth Reddy pressured the leadership by threatening to resign if she was retained.
“High Command has no intention to remove me. I know that 100 per cent. But, the Chief Minister indulged in blackmail politics saying he would go if I am not removed,” she said.
She alleged that her removal was driven by vindictiveness over critical remarks made by her daughter against Revanth Reddy and other Congress leaders.
Surekha also questioned Revanth Reddy’s recent assertions that he would continue as chief minister for the next term and would announce candidates for the next Assembly elections.
She said she and her husband, both from backward-class backgrounds, had built their political careers through hard work and expressed confidence that people would continue to support them.
“The minister’s post is only like an ornament for us. Earlier, I had quit on my own. I don’t feel bad today that I lost the Cabinet post. But, I am not able to digest that I was removed without being informed and without giving reasons,” she said.
Surekha said both the Congress high command and the chief minister would have to explain the reasons behind her removal.
Her exit came amid a political row within the Telangana Congress after her daughter Konda Sushmitha criticised Revanth Reddy and Parkal MLA Revuri Prakash Reddy. The remarks had triggered disciplinary action within the party against Surekha.
