It appears that the Congress government in Telangana, led by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, is gradually pushing Endowments and Forest Minister Konda Surekha into a corner following her indirect rebellion against the Chief Minister and the party.
Even as Hyderabad police have launched a manhunt to arrest Surekha’s former OSD (Officer on Special Duty), N Sumanth, in connection with an extortion and attempted murder case, fresh reports emerged on Tuesday that the government had transferred key officials from her department without her knowledge.
Sumanth went into hiding after being booked in connection with an alleged attempted murder, assault and Rs 10 crore extortion plot targeting local real estate businessman Gongidi Harikrishna. Police have already arrested some of Sumanth’s key aides and are now searching for him.
Meanwhile, reports on Tuesday said the Telangana government had cancelled the deputations of several officials, including senior officers working in the Forest Department in various capacities.
The officials concerned have reportedly been directed to immediately report to the office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF).
The development has triggered discussion in government and political circles, particularly because the orders were reportedly issued without Konda Surekha’s knowledge.
Several Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers and other senior officials had reportedly been serving in the department on deputation. The government has now directed them to return to their parent departments or designated administrative positions.
Normally, major administrative decisions concerning a department are brought to the notice of the minister concerned. Against this backdrop, reports that the deputation cancellations were carried out without prior information to Konda Surekha have fuelled speculation in political circles.
The development comes amid a separate controversy involving Konda Surekha and her daughter, Konda Sushmitha.
