Vijayashanti Considered as Congress Replacement for Konda Surekha

Vijayashanti, the veteran actress and current MLC, has emerged as a potential candidate to replace Minister Konda Surekha in the Telangana Cabinet, following a recommendation by the Congress disciplinary committee. The committee's call for Surekha's removal comes after a series of controversies involving the minister and her family, intensifying discussions within the party about representation and political messaging.

The immediate catalyst was public criticism of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and the Congress government by Surekha's daughter, Konda Sushmita Patel. The committee noted that Surekha did not distance herself from her daughter's remarks in her reply to a show-cause notice, instead stating that her daughter was an independent individual. The panel found this explanation unsatisfactory, especially given Surekha's ministerial position.

Beyond this, the committee cited multiple previous incidents, including allegations that Surekha sought contracts and commissions during the Medaram Jatara, and that she verbally abused fellow minister Seethakka. The report also referenced a criminal case against Surekha’s former OSD, Narla Sumanth, involving attempted murder and extortion, and alleged that Surekha pressured police not to register a case against him. Additional claims included blackmail of industrialists by Sumanth and interference by Surekha's daughter during police action.

The disciplinary panel concluded that these were not isolated incidents and recommended Surekha's removal. With the Congress focusing on BC representation and social justice, party sources say Vijayashanti, a BC leader with a strong Telangana following and known as “Ramulamma”, could be a politically significant replacement. The AICC has reportedly already promised her a position, highlighting her relevance in the current political landscape.