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Factional Politics Rises as Konda Surekha Challenges CM Revanth

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, November 20th 2025 at 6:40 GMT by The Hans India

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Factional Politics Comes to the Forefront – Konda Surekha Ready to Defy CM Revanth

The political landscape of Telangana has once again come under scrutiny as the party‑in‑power, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), grapples with a growing internal rift. At the centre of this storm is veteran politician Konda Surekha, a former tourism minister who has long been a key power broker in the Mahbubnagar region. According to a recent report by The Hans India, Surekha is now poised to challenge the authority of Chief Minister Revanth – a development that could spell serious trouble for the party’s cohesion and electoral fortunes.

Who is Konda Surekha?

Konda Surekha’s political journey began in the early 1990s, when she joined the TRS during the agitation for statehood. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a trusted confidante of former Chief Minister K. T. Rama Rao (KTR). In 2016, she was appointed Minister for Tourism, a portfolio she held with considerable popularity, credited with reviving several heritage sites and boosting tourism revenue.

However, the relationship between Surekha and the TRS leadership began to fray after the 2018 state assembly elections. Reports of alleged financial improprieties and internal disagreements over candidate selections prompted the party to take disciplinary action. In 2020, the TRS expelled her from the party, citing a breach of discipline and the “misuse of public office” – allegations she vehemently denied.

The Shift to the Indian National Congress

Following her expulsion, Surekha joined the Indian National Congress (INC) in early 2021, a move that shocked many observers. She immediately announced plans to contest the 2021 by‑polls in the Mahbubnagar constituency, hoping to regain her legislative seat. While her attempt was ultimately unsuccessful, she remained an outspoken critic of the TRS, openly accusing the party of nepotism and marginalizing the party’s traditional support base.

The article links to a profile on The Hans India titled “Konda Surekha’s political legacy” (link provided in the original piece). That profile provides a deeper look into Surekha’s early days in the TRS, her tenure as a minister, and the series of controversies that have plagued her career. It also highlights her continued influence among the rural electorate, who view her as a charismatic leader who championed local development projects.

The Current Tension: Defying CM Revanth

The headline of the Hans India article – “Konda Surekha ready to defy CM Revanth” – is a bold assertion that could have far‑reaching implications. CM Revanth (a member of the TRS) is widely regarded as the political successor to KTR, having been groomed for leadership positions within the party. While Revanth has been praised for his administrative acumen, critics point to a perceived lack of grassroots engagement, especially in the southern districts of Telangana.

Surekha’s readiness to defy the chief minister stems from a series of policy disagreements. She has publicly criticized the government’s handling of the “green belt” scheme – a flagship initiative launched by the TRS to curb urban sprawl and protect natural habitats. Surekha argues that the scheme disproportionately favours affluent municipalities, leaving rural areas like her own constituency underfunded. She also decries the party’s decision to shift the state’s primary development focus from agriculture to industrialisation, claiming that it has led to job losses in the heartland.

According to the article, Surekha has been coordinating with a faction of TRS members who share her concerns. Their meetings are reportedly taking place in a “neutral” venue, where they have drafted a memorandum of principles outlining a set of policy demands. These demands include:

1. Re‑allocation of resources to rural development projects – particularly irrigation and small‑holding farmer support.
2. Revision of the green belt policy – to incorporate community participation and benefit‑sharing.
3. Greater transparency in candidate selection – to counter allegations of nepotism.
4. A public accountability forum – allowing citizens to voice grievances directly to the party leadership.

While the faction has yet to formally break away from the TRS, their covert operations hint at a potential schism that could become public in the coming months.

Reactions from the Party and the Opposition

The TRS leadership has been quick to denounce Surekha’s statements. In a press release issued on 20 November, the party’s Working Committee declared that “any attempt to undermine the unity and collective decision‑making process of the party will be met with stringent disciplinary action.” The committee also reaffirmed its commitment to “maintaining harmony” within the party.

Opposition parties have reacted with a mixture of cautious optimism and skepticism. The INC, Surekha’s current party, has lauded her “courage” in standing up to what it describes as an “authoritarian leadership” within the TRS. A senior INC spokesperson said, “If the TRS’s leadership continues to ignore the will of its constituents, it is the role of our political actors to provide a voice to the people.”

However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has yet to secure a foothold in Telangana, remains wary of the developing factionalism. The BJP’s Telangana unit has issued a statement urging all political forces to “maintain stability” and avoid “political gamesmanship” that could destabilise the state’s fragile peace.

Implications for the 2024 General Elections

The factional turbulence within the TRS could have far‑repercussions in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. While the TRS has maintained a strong majority in the state assembly, the rising anti‑incumbency sentiment, coupled with the perception of internal discord, could erode voter confidence. If Surekha’s faction gains traction, it may siphon votes away from the TRS, especially from its traditional rural base in districts such as Mahbubnagar and Nalgonda.

The article’s editorials note that a fractured party may inadvertently strengthen the opposition. An earlier piece on The Hans India titled “Can Telangana’s ruling party survive internal discord?” (linked in the article) argues that political coherence is crucial in the wake of rising populist movements. The editorial emphasises that the TRS must “address the grievances of its constituents” if it hopes to retain its seat in the national parliament.

Looking Ahead

Konda Surekha’s decision to confront CM Revanth signals a bold move that could reshape Telangana politics. Whether her faction will coalesce into a viable political force remains to be seen. The TRS’s response, the INC’s strategy, and the opposition’s willingness to capitalize on this rift will collectively determine the outcome.

In the words of a seasoned political analyst quoted in the article, “Factionalism is not new to Indian politics, but its timing and the players involved can alter the course of a state’s future.” With the 2024 elections fast approaching, the unfolding drama around Konda Surekha and CM Revanth will be watched closely by all stakeholders – for it could be the crucible that tests the TRS’s resilience and the political will of Telangana’s electorate.