Breaking: Konda Surekha Sacked from Telangana Cabinet - Deccan Chronicle

**Breaking: Konda Surekha Sacked from Telangana Cabinet**

*Hyderabad, September 3, 2026* – Telangana’s chief minister has removed MLA Konda Surekha from the state cabinet, ending her tenure as the minister for Women and Child Welfare. The decision, announced in a brief statement to the press, cited “a breach of collective responsibility” but did not elaborate on the specific transgression. Surekha, a senior member of the Indian National Congress (INC) and a two‑term legislator from Warangal, had been serving in the coalition government formed after the 2024 assembly elections.

The sacking follows a public spat that erupted last week when Surekha, in an interview with a regional news channel, sharply criticised opposition leader Revanth Reddy, accusing him of “political opportunism” and “undermining development initiatives in the region.” The remarks, which were amplified by NDTV and The Times of India, prompted a swift backlash from the INC, with senior party figures calling the criticism “unwarranted” and “divisive.” The BJP, citing the incident, warned that “internal rifts in Congress are hurting governance,” a sentiment echoed in a commentary in *The Hindu*.

Political analysts say the episode underscores the fragile nature of the coalition that has held power in Telangana since 2024. With the INC losing a key cabinet member, the ruling party may have to reshuffle portfolios to maintain stability, while opposition parties are likely to seize on the controversy to question the government’s cohesion. The News Minute reported that several Congress legislators have expressed disappointment over the manner of Surekha’s removal, suggesting a potential re‑alignment of intra‑party alliances ahead of the next state elections.

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