HANAMKONDA/WARANGAL: Endowments Minister Konda Surekha on Tuesday alleged a covert plot by members of the Reddy community to sabotage her political career through “backdoor lobbying,” claiming she was being sidelined despite a record of transparent politics.
“A few are trying to weaken our leadership through backdoor lobbying. I have always practised straightforward politics and conveyed everything directly to the party high command,” she told reporters during an informal interactions at her residence in Ram Nagar, Hanamkonda.
On Medaram developmental works, Surekha dismissed reports of objections to the tenders. “I have no issues with the tenders. The Endowments department is executing the works transparently. Three major companies submitted tenders, and eligibility will be decided as per norms. My insistence is that all matters remain within the knowledge of both myself and my department secretary,” she said.
She added that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy had instructed Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy to ensure the speedy execution of Medaram works. Addressing the controversy over her remarks on actor Akkineni Nagarjuna, she said her statements were distorted. “I am straightforward and cannot tolerate false or misleading conversations. Sometimes I feel disheartened at how my words are projected,” she said.
On reports of differences with Srinivasa Reddy, she said she would respond in Hyderabad. “I am never afraid of false propaganda. In the Congress, everything happens democratically, and those who have worked for the party will get their due,” she asserted.
Surekha said she skipped Monday’s Medaram review meeting due to an emergency engagement. “I had to prioritise another programme and don’t care about the false propaganda around my absence,” she added.
Govt removes Surekha’s OSD
In the wake of the dispute between ministers Konda Surekha and Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, the state government has terminated the services of Sumanth, Officer on Special Duty to Surekha. Sources said Sumanth was found involved in several irregularities in the Endowments department, including transfers and postings, and played a key role in escalating tensions between the two ministers over Medaram tenders worth Rs 71 crore.
Sumanth, a private individual and close associate of Surekha, was first appointed as OSD on a one-year contract with the TGPCB on December 17, 2023, and deputed to Surekha’s office. His term was extended for another year on December 17, 2024.