HYDERABAD: In an unusual show of unity, 16 Congress MLAs and two MLCs, including party whips, came together on Friday to demand disciplinary action against Endowments Minister Konda Surekha days after her daughter Konda Sushmita Patel made statements against Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy. They also alleged that Sushmita was a “front” for Surekha.
The unusually large gathering of legislators at the CLP office in Hyderabad marked a sharp escalation in the differences within the ruling party. The legislators appealed to TPCC president B Mahesh Kumar Goud and the AICC leadership to act against leaders who publicly criticise the government.
Government Whip Vemula Veeresham set the tone, targeting Surekha and Sushmita and alleging that their statements had repeatedly embarrassed the party and the government. He urged the TPCC and AICC to take stringent action against anyone making objectionable remarks against Revanth and the government.
Veeresham said those who remained in the Congress while publicly attacking its government had no moral right to continue in the party and appealed to the chief minister to remove such individuals from the government and the party.
Naini Rajender Reddy was more direct, demanding that Surekha resign before the party or government was forced to act against her. He alleged that she was targeting Revanth for “selfish political interests” and with the backing of certain “vested interests”. He also alleged that the BRS was supporting those working against the Congress government.
Referring to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Naini said the Congress secured a majority in all 11 Assembly segments of the erstwhile Warangal parliamentary constituency, but alleged that its margin declined only in Surekha’s constituency. He accused her of making statements that were providing “ammunition” to the Opposition.
“We will not allow the sacrifices of so many party workers and leaders to go waste,” he said, demanding stringent action against Surekha. He also challenged those alleging a Rs 200 crore scam to come forward with evidence and said Surekha should take responsibility for any mistakes committed by her daughter.
Vedama Bojju alleged that attempts were being made to defame the Congress and weaken the government. Referring to Sushmita, he alleged that she was being used as a “front” and that Surekha was behind the statements targeting Revanth.
Bojju also demanded action against any leader found violating party discipline, including Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy and G Chinna Reddy.
Senior MLA Balu Naik said show-cause notices alone would not be enough and demanded disciplinary action against anyone speaking against the party, irrespective of caste or position. He alleged that elements within the Congress were carrying out an Opposition conspiracy to weaken Revanth.