The All India Congress Committee (AICC) acted on a war-footing mode to resolve the row between Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Minister Konda Surekha primarily to prevent internal party disturbances from damaging the Congress government’s image and stability in the key state of Telangana.
Minimizing Public Embarrassment and Opposition Exploitation
The AICC considered the escalating differences, especially those involving allegations related to tenders and funds, to be “so sensitive.” The party considered that the damage to government Image will be more if the tussle be continued. If the row had been allowed to continue, it would have been “more embarrassing” for both the Congress government in the state. The opposition parties, particularly the BJP and BRS, were “ready to expose” the rift, which would have given them a political advantage and further embarrassed the ruling party. Maintaining Political Stability in a Key State
Telangana is considered a “key state to the Congress in the country.”
Internal squabbles among ministers, like the earlier one involving Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and A. Laxman Kumar, and now this high-profile rift, is a threaten the stability and cohesion of the newly formed Congress government.
Electoral Impact: The AICC was also concerned about the potential negative impact on the Jubilee Hills by-election, indicating a fear of electoral losses stemming from the public display of disunity.
Acknowledging Konda Couple’s Influence
The Konda couple, with Minister Surekha known for her “dare and dash” image and oratory skills, hold significant influence in five to six assembly constituencies in the erstwhile Warangal district. Allowing a gap to widen and potentially leading to Surekha’s ousting (as political pundits predicted) would have meant:
Losing Key Support: The Congress would have risked losing the support base and political leverage commanded by the Konda family, especially in the crucial Warangal region. In essence, the AICC’s quick action was a strategic move to contain a political crisis, demonstrate strong central leadership, and preserve the stability and public credibility** of the Congress party’s government in Telangana.
Editor, Prime Post
Ravindra Seshu Amaravadi, is a senior journalist with 38 years of experience in Telugu, English news papers and electronic media. He worked in Udayam as a sub-editor and reporter. Later, he was associated with Andhra Pradesh Times, Gemini news, Deccan Chronicle, HMTV and The Hans India. Earlier, he was involved in the research work of All India Kisan Sabha on suicides of cotton farmers. In Deccan Chronicle, he exposed the problems of subabul and chilli farmers and malpractices that took place in various government departments.
AICC thought it would still damage the party. So, the AICC putting all efforts to pacify the situation. It’s tough situation to continue in the power for Congress.