Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], August 21 : More than 20 Congress MLAs and senior leaders on Friday rallied behind Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, strongly condemning the remarks and conduct attributed to Konda Sushmitha who is the daughter of State Minister Konda Surekha.
Addressing a press conference, the legislators maintained that criticism of the Chief Minister by members of families associated with the government and Congress leadership could not be ignored. They demanded that the party leadership take disciplinary action against anyone making statements that undermine the government, the Chief Minister or the Congress organisation.
The MLAs said Congress leaders had fought for years to bring the party to power in Telangana and that the sacrifices and hard work of party workers should not be undermined by internal disputes being aired publicly.
Government Whip Beerla Ilaiah said internal differences should be discussed within appropriate party forums, including the CLP or the party leadership, rather than through public statements. He specifically condemned Sushmitha's remarks and urged Minister Konda Surekha to respond to and condemn her daughter's comments.
Warangal West MLA Nayini Rajender Reddy said party discipline must apply to everyone, irrespective of their position or background. He warned that repeated public attacks on the Chief Minister would provide political ammunition to the Opposition and damage the Congress.
Khanapur MLA Vedma Bojju questioned why Konda Surekha had not clearly responded to her daughter's remarks and called for action against anyone whose statements could harm the interests of the party and its workers.
Shadnagar MLA Veerlapalli Shankar strongly defended Revanth Reddy's leadership, saying the Chief Minister had the strength and determination to lead the government. He said all Congress leaders had a responsibility to protect the reputation of the state government and maintain unity within the party.
Government Whip Balmur Venkat said no individual was bigger than the Congress party. He said leaders with grievances could approach the party high command but should not publicly undermine the organisation or its leadership.
The legislators also appealed to Congress leaders to remain united and focus on strengthening the government and party organisation. They stressed that the interests of grassroots workers should be protected and that disciplinary violations should not be repeatedly overlooked.