HYDERABAD — Internal friction within the Telangana Congress unit came into full public view after Konda Sushmita, daughter of Cabinet Minister Konda Surekha, launched a direct attack against Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy over candidate selection for the Parkal constituency.
Speaking at a political gathering in Parkal, Sushmita questioned the Chief Minister’s endorsement of sitting MLA Revuri Prakash Reddy, demanding an immediate electoral contest and challenging the party’s leadership structure.
Direct Challenge to Party Leadership
Rejecting the state leadership’s preference for the incumbent legislator, Sushmita issued an open challenge regarding her nomination plans for the constituency:
“Why wait two years? Ask him to resign right now! Tell him to resign and contest the elections… Whether you, your father, or your grandfather come, I will be the MLA of Parkal.”
She emphasized her readiness to contest as an independent candidate if the party denies her a ticket. Going beyond local ticket allocation, her statements accused the leadership of alienating long-standing party workers and included financial allegations against family members of the Chief Minister.
Disciplinary Measures Initiated
To limit the political fallout, the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) disciplinary action committee initiated swift organizational steps:
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Notice to Minister: A formal explanation was sought from Minister Konda Surekha regarding her daughter’s public critiques of the Chief Minister.
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Suspensions and Notices: Senior party leader Jakkidi Prabhakar Reddy was suspended, while former minister and Planning Board Vice-Chairman Chinna Reddy was asked to clarify his position.
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High Command Position: Central leaders reiterated that breaches of party discipline at any level will face strict organizational review.
Old Guard vs. New Leadership Dynamics
The public row underscores broader factional tensions within the state unit between long-standing leaders and the newer organizational structure formed under Revanth Reddy.
Veteran figures—such as Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, and Konda Surekha—represent the traditional faction of the party. In contrast, the current state apparatus centers around the Chief Minister and organizational allies including TPCC President B. Mahesh Kumar Goud, along with Cabinet members Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy and D. Anasuya (Seethakka).
With other senior figures like Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy also raising public concerns over administrative decisions, the central leadership faces the challenge of maintaining internal discipline while balancing regional power bases.
