Hyderabad: The Telangana BJP on Wednesday lashed out at the Congress high command over reports of disciplinary action against Minister Konda Surekha, describing the move as yet another indication of the ruling party’s alleged intolerance towards anyone who raises questions about corruption and financial irregularities.
BJP State Chief Spokesperson and Media In-charge N. V. Subash said the reported action against Konda Surekha was “laughable and absurd”, particularly when the allegations attributed to her daughter, Konda Sushmita, concerned alleged corruption and misuse of public funds.
“What is wrong if Konda Sushmita speaks about corruption? If she has raised questions about ministers allegedly looting the public exchequer and diverting funds to the Congress high command in Delhi, the party should answer those allegations instead of threatening disciplinary action,” Subash said.
His remarks came in response to reports that the Telangana Congress Disciplinary Committee had recommended strong action against Konda Surekha, including her removal from the State Cabinet, following allegations and comments concerning Roads and Buildings Minister and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, by her daughter.
Subash alleged that the Congress was displaying “double standards” by seeking action against its own leaders in Telangana for questioning alleged financial irregularities, while similar allegations were surfacing in other Congress-ruled States.
Referring to reports from neighbouring Karnataka, he alleged that a Congress minister there had also faced allegations relating to the misuse of public funds and claimed that a substantial portion of the allegedly collected money was passed on to the party high command. “If Congress leaders themselves are raising such allegations, why is the party trying to silence them instead of ordering a transparent investigation?” he asked.
Subash also referred to reports of disciplinary action being considered against senior Congress leader Chinna Reddy for his remarks concerning Revanth Reddy and alleged financial irregularities.
He said reports indicated that the Disciplinary Committee had submitted its findings to TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud, after which the matter could be placed before Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and AICC general secretary K. C. Venugopal for a final decision.
“Congress must tell the people whether holding power in a Congress-ruled State requires pleasing or financially satisfying the high command in Delhi. If these allegations are false, let the Congress deny them and order an independent probe. If they are true, why silence those who expose them?” Subash asked.
