The leaders of the Congress party themselves often say that there is more democracy in the party. It is common for one leader to openly accuse and criticize another leader and interfere in each other’s affairs. If necessary, they hold media conferences and explain the shortcomings of their opponents. As far as the party is concerned, it is their internal affair.
But a recent incident sparked a row between two ministers in Revanth Reddy’s cabinet, alleging interference into another minister’s purview. Forest Minister Konda Surekha has reportedly became angry when another minister G Vivek Venkata Swamy conducted a review summoning top forest officials. This has led to controversy among two cabinet ministers.
Gandhi Bhavan sources say that the reason for the controversy is that Minister Vivek is indulging in the forest department affairs, which is not his. It is known that four days ago, Minister Vivek called the forest department officials at the secretariat and held a review meeting. It is reported that Forest Department Principal Secretary Nadeem Ahmed, Chief Forest Officer Suvarna, Mancherial District Collector and others participated in the meeting.
It is known that Minister Vivek discussed the issues of clearance for roads passing through forest lands in Chennur, his own constituency. However, Secretariat sources say that Forest Minister Konda Surekha did not have even the slightest information about this meeting.
It is reported that Minister Konda Surekha became impatient when she came to know about the said review. It is reported that Konda Surekha objected to another minister interfering in her department without her knowledge. It is reported that she expressed her anger stating that if another minister want to discuss issues related to his constituency, he may call local concerned forest officials.
She is unable to tolerate directly summoning top officials at the Secretariat and conducting a review, without even giving her formal information. She has reportedly complained to the Chief Minister’s officer about this incident.