It is widely reported that Minister Konda Surekha is expected to resign either today or tomorrow. The Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) has reportedly received clear instructions from the All India Congress Committee (AICC) regarding this matter.
Reports suggest that the responsibility for Surekha’s resignation has been entrusted to the PCC President, following offensive and baseless comments she made against the family of renowned film actor Akkineni Nagarjuna.
Additionally, Congress senior leader Priyanka Gandhi is said to have personally called Amala Akkineni, wife of Nagarjuna, to discuss the issue. The two are believed to have known each other previously, and during the conversation, Amala reportedly expressed her concerns over the inappropriate remarks made by Konda Surekha.
Priyanka Gandhi reportedly expressed regret over the incident. Drawing parallels to Rahul Gandhi’s earlier apology to the court for a minor remark that cost him his parliamentary membership, Amala questioned how such comments could be made by a sitting minister. She also emphasized that her family, already distressed, should not be dragged into political controversies. Amala is said to have requested swift action against Konda Surekha.
Following this conversation, Priyanka Gandhi reportedly instructed the party leadership to take appropriate action. AICC sources have indicated that even Rahul Gandhi has been informed of the incident, increasing pressure on the leadership. Additionally, reports suggest that Konda Surekha’s removal from her ministerial post is being considered, though some leaders are concerned that such a move could draw further negative attention to the party and the government.
The PCC has been tasked with persuading Konda Surekha to step down and accept responsibility for her comments. It is believed that both Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka will travel to Delhi on Sunday, with plans in place for Konda Surekha to resign before their arrival.
Senior party leaders have expressed dissatisfaction with Konda Surekha’s behavior, suggesting that her remarks were made deliberately to harm the party’s image. They have raised concerns that ignoring such behavior could embolden other leaders to make similar statements in the future, with growing public opposition already being observed.
Given the controversy surrounding Konda Surekha’s comments, along with other issues such as public outrage over the beautification of the Musi River, the party is under mounting pressure.