TPCC panel recommends dropping Konda Surekha from cabinet

The Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee's disciplinary committee has recommended removing Forest Minister Konda Surekha from the state cabinet and G Chinna Reddy as vice-chairman of the state planning commission. The report was submitted to TPCC chief Mahesh Kumar Goud on Tuesday and has been forwarded to the AICC high command for a final decision. The action follows controversial remarks by Surekha's daughter and by Chinna Reddy.

Siasat.com reports that the controversy began on August 19 when Konda Surekha's daughter, Konda Sushmita Patel, criticised Chief Minister Revanth Reddy at an event and said she would contest elections even as an independent. Surekha told the disciplinary committee she could not be held responsible for her daughter's personal comments. However, Congress MLAs argued she should have condemned the remarks.

Telangana Today adds that Chinna Reddy had alleged an MLA ticket was offered to Wanaparthy MLA T Megha Reddy after being lured with money. The disciplinary committee noted that Surekha's case was not an isolated incident and that complaints had been raised against her in the past. Committee chairman Mallu Ravi said stern action was recommended in the party's larger interest and that the high command will decide the final outcome.