Hyderabad: Forests, Environment and Endowments Minister Konda Surekha on Thursday asked the TPCC Disciplinary Action Committee to withdraw its show-cause notice. She maintained that her daughter Konda Sushmita Patel’s remarks against Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy were personal.
Surekha submitted her explanation to DAC chairman Mallu Ravi through a letter. The disciplinary panel had sought her response following the remarks made by her daughter.
The Minister denied having any involvement in the episode. She argued that holding her accountable for comments made by her daughter was inappropriate.
“It should be recognised that I had no involvement in the matter concerning Susmitha’s remarks. It is not appropriate to hold me responsible for her comments. Seeking an explanation from me on an issue with which I have no connection is not justified,” Surekha said.
Konda Surekha notice followed daughter’s remarks
Surekha told the committee that she held the Congress leadership in high regard. She also expressed respect for the party’s rules and regulations. However, she maintained that her daughter’s comments represented her personal views. Therefore, the Minister urged the disciplinary committee to withdraw the Konda Surekha notice.
The controversy followed remarks by Sushmita, daughter of Surekha and Congress leader Konda Murali, at a public gathering in Geesugonda in Warangal on Wednesday.
Sushmita made sharp remarks against Revanth Reddy over the Parkal Assembly constituency. Her comments came after the Chief Minister publicly backed sitting MLA Revuri Prakash Reddy for the next elections.
She questioned Revanth Reddy’s authority to decide candidates for the constituency. Sushmita also announced her intention to contest the next election from Parkal. Moreover, she said she would contest as an independent candidate if the Congress denied her a ticket.
The remarks subsequently prompted the TPCC Disciplinary Action Committee to seek an explanation from Surekha. In response to the Konda Surekha notice, the Minister distanced herself completely from her daughter’s statements. She maintained that she had no connection with the comments and should not face disciplinary scrutiny over them.