The Warangal Congress is seeing rising political heat as veteran leaders Konda Murali and Konda Surekha refuse to yield to pressure from within the party. Now, the factional division has reached a point where leaders at the state level have presented an ultimatum to the Congress High Command—asking for a clear decision on whether to support the Konda couple or other local groups.
In an attempt to de-escalate the crisis, senior Congress leader and AICC in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan stepped in. She held a crucial meeting with the Konda couple to understand their concerns and mediate the growing unrest.
During the behind-bam door meetings, the Kondas presented a 16-page detailed report of the alleged Congress leaders’ irregularities in different constituencies of the Warangal district. Addressing the media after the meeting, Konda Murali made it clear that they would make no concessions. He reiterated categorically that he is the voice of the downtrodden and would not be silenced.
Without taking the names of any person, Murali pledged his full support to Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, hoping that he remains the leader for another decade. He once again professed his allegiance to the national vision of the party by vowing to make Rahul Gandhi the next Prime Minister of India.
Murali did not hesitate to finger-point at the internal administration of the party. He protested decisions of prime importance being made without the participation of ministers—especially in temple committee appointments and posting of bureaucrats. He also brought grave charges against senior leader Kadiyam Srihari for carrying out illegal mining operations in the area. “Those who work for people in good faith are being put on the sidelines,” Murali stated.
Conversely, Konda Surekha spoke highly in favor of her daughter’s political aspiration, announcing plans to make an entry into politics from the Parakala constituency. “Each and every person has a right to carve out their own political career,” she stated, refuting the criticism that was being raised against their family.
In spite of doubts regarding a potential MLC nomination, Konda Murali vowed to be responsible for the growth of the Congress in Warangal. He vowed to make sure the party wins heavily in the coming local body elections, such as MPTC and ZPTC segments.
Despite Meenakshi Natarajan’s intervention, the Konda couple is still unflinching, going on record with strong accusations against opposition groups within the party. As the internal bickering becomes louder, everyone now awaits the next step of the Congress High Command in this politically delicate situation.