Uncertainty continues over the political future of sacked Telangana minister Konda Surekha, amid speculation that she may find it difficult to continue in the Congress following the recent developments.
Surekha and her husband, Konda Murali, have reportedly been holding consultations with key supporters over their future course of action for the past two days.
Although Surekha told reporters that she does not intend to leave the Congress, the couple is said to believe that it may not be easy for her to continue in the party in the same manner as before, given the apparent lack of support from the high command and several party colleagues.
The Konda couple is now believed to be seeking the views of close supporters on whether they should join another major political party or pursue an independent political path.
Sources suggest that Surekha has already arrived at a broad understanding of the direction she wants to take. Her daughter’s political future is also said to be an important factor in the family’s deliberations.
The possibility of Surekha returning to the Bharat Rashtra Samithi appears remote. BRS senior leader Jagadish Reddy has reportedly ruled out such a possibility, saying there was no question of allowing her back into the party.
There has also been considerable speculation over a possible move to the BJP.
According to reports, BJP leaders have indicated that they would have no objection to Surekha’s daughter, Sushmita, joining the party.
The BJP leadership is also understood to have conveyed that it may consider the entry of the Konda couple, though certain conditions could reportedly be involved.
There is also speculation that, if the couple decides to join the BJP, they may prefer the formal induction to take place in the presence of the party’s central leadership in New Delhi.
Several BJP leaders in Telangana have publicly indicated that they would not oppose Surekha joining the party.
BJP leaders D K Aruna and Ramchander Rao recently criticised the manner in which a BC woman minister was removed from the Telangana cabinet. They said that although the Konda couple had not directly approached them, any decision on their entry into the BJP would ultimately be taken by the party high command.
However, senior BJP leader Muralidhar Rao sought to play down the speculation.
Reacting to reports that the former minister could join the BJP, he said the party would not admit just anyone.
“Congress has entered a crisis. Such reports are being circulated only to divert attention from it. The BJP is the alternative to the Congress and BRS in Telangana,” Muralidhar Rao said.
For now, Surekha’s next political move remains uncertain, with all eyes on whether she stays with the Congress, explores the BJP option or chooses an independent path.
