Konda Surekha ties rakhi to Revanth Reddy at residence amid disciplinary row

Against the backdrop of the ongoing disciplinary controversy, Endowments Minister Konda Surekha met Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy at his residence on Friday (August 28, 2026) and tied a rakhi to him on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

The meeting assumes significance as it was the first interaction between Ms. Surekha and Mr. Revanth Reddy since a controversy erupted over remarks made by her daughter, Konda Sushmitha, against the Chief Minister. The episode had strained relations within the ruling Congress and subsequently led to the party initiating disciplinary proceedings against the Minister.

Ms. Surekha’s visit to the Chief Minister’s residence and the gesture of tying a rakhi is being viewed in political circles as an attempt to signal that the personal and political relationship between the two leaders remains intact. It has also political significance though there is no information whether the disciplinary issue figured in the interaction.

Ms. Surekha earlier sought an appointment with the CM to tie the rakhi. The meeting comes at a time when the disciplinary issue involving the Minister is being examined at the party’s highest level. Following the controversy over her daughter’s comments, the Congress disciplinary mechanism had served a notice to Ms. Surekha seeking her explanation.

However, her response to the notice did not amount to an unequivocal condemnation of her daughter’s remarks. Instead, her reply was perceived within sections of the party as defiant, as she distanced herself completely from the comments and that she cannot be questioned for her daughter’s views.

The TPCC disciplinary committee, headed by MP Mallu Ravi examined the matter and is understood to have recommended action against Ms. Surekha. The matter has since moved to the All India Congress Committee (AICC), which is examining the recommendations and will take a final call on the issue.

The latest meeting may have opened a window for reconciliation even as the formal disciplinary process continues. The rakhi gesture, traditionally symbolising the bond between a brother and sister, could help ease the immediate political tension, although the final outcome of the disciplinary proceedings remains with the AICC.

For Ms. Surekha, the meeting also comes at a politically sensitive juncture. Any action against a serving Minister would have implications for both the State Cabinet and the Congress organisation in Telangana.

Minister Seethakka and several MLAs and women leaders of the Congress also tied rakhi to the Chief Minister.