Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Telangana CM Removes Konda Surekha Amid Blackmail Politics Claims
Konda Surekha was removed from Telangana’s Cabinet on Thursday.
She had been the state’s forest minister.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy recommended her removal, and Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla approved it.
The decision came after critical comments by Surekha’s daughter about Reddy and other Congress leaders.
Surekha said she had done nothing wrong.
She said the Congress high command did not want her removed.
She accused Reddy of using pressure tactics and threatening to resign unless she was dismissed.
A Congress disciplinary leader said Surekha had met senior party leaders and that no one was exempt from party discipline.
Surekha said she would continue serving as an MLA.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy recommended Konda Surekha’s immediate removal from the state Cabinet.
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla approved the recommendation, removing Surekha as forest minister on Thursday.
Surekha denied wrongdoing and accused Reddy of pressuring the Congress high command through “blackmail politics.”
She said she was not given reasons or an opportunity to explain herself before her dismissal.
The action followed controversy over critical remarks by Surekha’s daughter, while a Congress disciplinary leader said party rules applied to everyone.
- Who
- Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, former Forest Minister Konda Surekha, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and Congress leaders.
- What
- Surekha was removed from Telangana’s Council of Ministers, and she accused Reddy of using “blackmail politics.”
- When
- Thursday, September 3; the removal took effect immediately.
- Where
- Telangana, with the recommendation approved at the Governor’s office, Lok Bhavan.
- Why
- The action followed controversy over critical remarks by Surekha’s daughter about Reddy and other Congress leaders; Surekha said the remarks were used as a pretext for political action.
Surekha’s Allegations
Congress Disciplinary Response
Reason for dismissal
Surekha’s Allegations
Surekha said the high command did not intend to remove her and alleged that Reddy pressured it by threatening to resign. She said her daughter’s remarks were used as a pretext to target her.
Congress Disciplinary Response
The removal followed controversy over Surekha’s daughter’s critical comments about Reddy and other party leaders, after the state Congress disciplinary committee recommended tough action.
Right to respond
Surekha’s Allegations
Surekha said she was dismissed without being told the reasons, asked to resign or given an opportunity to explain herself. She also questioned the unsigned dismissal order and said she had responded to show-cause notices.
Congress Disciplinary Response
State Congress disciplinary committee chairman Mallu Ravi rejected her claim that her views were not heard, saying she had met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and state Congress president B Mahesh Kumar Goud.
Responsibility for daughter’s remarks
Surekha’s Allegations
Surekha defended her daughter Sushmita, saying family members can hold independent political views and that she should not be punished for them.
Congress Disciplinary Response
Several Congress MLAs reportedly argued that Surekha should have condemned her daughter’s remarks because she was a member of the Cabinet headed by Reddy.
- Removed official
- Konda Surekha
- Cabinet position
- Telangana forest minister
- Recommendation
- Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy recommended the immediate removal
- Approval
- Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla approved the recommendation
- Surekha’s allegation
- She accused Reddy of using “blackmail politics” and allegedly threatening to resign unless she was removed
- Related action
- G Chinna Reddy’s appointment as Vice Chairman of the State Planning Board was rescinded
- Surekha’s stated next step
- She said she would continue as an MLA
