Revanth refuses to be drawn into row over minister’s daughter

Hyderabad: Refusing to be drawn into the row over criticism against him and other leaders by Forest Minister Konda Surekha’s daughter, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday, August 24, said All India Congress Committee (AICC) and the party’s state unit would examine all internal issues of the party.

“Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC), AICC, the disciplinary committee examines all internal issues of the party. We have to abide by their decision,” he told reporters here when asked about the issue.

The Telangana Congress’ disciplinary committee on August 19 issued a notice to Surekha directing her to submit a reply within three days over the comments made against CM Reddy by her daughter Sushmita.

In her reply on August 20, Surekha said it is not proper to seek her explanation on the personal comments made by her daughter.

She said holding her responsible for her daughter’s comments was against the principles of natural justice.

Reiterating her respect for the Congress leadership and the party’s discipline, Surekha requested the disciplinary committee to acknowledge that she had no involvement in what her daughter spoke.

The minister had also sought the withdrawal of the notice issued to her by the disciplinary committee.

Comment triggers row

However, a large number of Congress MLAs took exception to the remarks of Surekha’s daughter.

Congress MLA Vijaya Ramana Rao said Surekha cannot distance herself from the comments of her daughter, emphasising that both must apologise to the CM.

On August 21, several Congress MLAs and MLCs urged party leadership to take “tough action” over the remarks made by Surekha’s daughter against CM Reddy and other leaders.

“Konda Surekha, in her reply to the disciplinary committee, mentioned that she is not connected (in her daughter’s remarks). If you are not concerned, why did you not condemn the remarks? We are asking whether you have a responsibility to condemn such comments or not when you are collectively working with the CM,” Congress MLA Vemula Veeresam had said.