Internal differences between senior leaders, MLAs, and MLCs in Warangal Congress have erupted into a full-blown war of words with Konda Murali, husband of Forest Minister Konda Surekha facing sharp criticism from legislators over his political conduct.
Tensions peaked after Mr. Murali levelled allegations against senior legislators Kadiyam Srihari, Revuri Praksh Reddy and few others claiming they had won with his support. He also claimed that they were trying to defame Minister Konda Surekha.
He recently reportedly blamed Ramasahayam Surender Reddy, a respected senior Congress leader who retired from politics in 1996, for denying political opportunities influencing delimitation exercise.
In a dramatic show of unity, legislators from the district held a meeting on Sunday at the office of Warangal West MLA Nayini Rajender Reddy. MLC Baswaraju Saraiah later threw a direct challenge to Mr. Murali to start his own party and prove his strength than claiming credit for Congress victories in Warangal.
He also questioned Mr. Murali’s political track record, remarking, “He has gone from TDP to Congress to YSRCP to TRS and is now back in the Congress. Such opportunism cannot be the foundation of leadership.”
He also defended Mr. Ramasahayam Surender Reddy’s integrity, stating that “Despite retiring nearly three decades ago, Mr. Surender Reddy continued to support party candidates without prejudice and beyond caste boundaries. Mr. Murali’s attempt to drag him into current party dynamics is unjustified and disrespectful.”
Mr. Murali earlier was summoned by the Disciplinary Action Committee (DAC) chaired by Mallu Ravi where he filed a complaint against Mr. Kadiyam Srihari, Mr. Revuri Prakash Reddy and Mr. Nayini Rajender Reddy, accusing them of anti-party activities.
Speaking to the media after the DAC hearing, Mr. Murali reaffirmed his loyalty to the Congress and Rahul Gandhi, stating, “My conscience tells me whether I am right or wrong.”
Published – June 29, 2025 06:49 pm IST
