Konda Surekha, born on August 19, 1965, in Warangal, Telangana, is a prominent Indian politician currently serving as the Cabinet Minister for Forest and Environment, and Endowments in the Government of Telangana1. Her political career spans several decades, marked by significant contributions and controversies.
Early Life and Political Beginnings
Konda Surekha was born to Thumma Chandramouli and Thumma Radha. She is married to Konda Murali, a former Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), and they have a daughter1. Surekha began her political journey in 1995 when she was elected as a Mandal Parishad member. Her early political career saw rapid advancements; by 1999, she was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Shayampet1.
Political Career
Surekha’s political career is characterized by her association with multiple political parties. Initially, she was a member of the Indian National Congress (INC). She served as the Minister for Women Development, Child Welfare, Disabled, and Juvenile Welfare in the Andhra Pradesh government under Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy1. However, she resigned from her ministerial position following Reddy’s death in 2009, protesting against the decision not to appoint his son, Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy, as the Chief Minister1.
In 2011, Surekha joined the YSR Congress Party but left in 2013 due to internal conflicts1. She then joined the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and served until 20181. In 2018, she returned to the Indian National Congress and has been with the party since1.
Recent Developments
In December 2023, Konda Surekha was appointed as the Cabinet Minister for Forest and Environment, and Endowments in the Government of Telangana1. She represents the Warangal East assembly constituency in the Telangana Legislative Assembly1. Her tenure has been marked by various initiatives aimed at environmental conservation and forest management.
Controversies
Konda Surekha has been involved in several controversies throughout her career. Recently, she faced backlash for her comments linking the divorce of actors Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Naga Chaitanya to BRS leader K. T. Rama Rao2. Her remarks drew criticism from the Telugu film industry and political circles3. Surekha later retracted her statement and issued an apology3.
Contributions and Legacy
Despite the controversies, Konda Surekha’s contributions to the political landscape of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are significant. Her efforts in women and child welfare, environmental conservation, and forest management have been noteworthy. As a seasoned politician, she continues to play a crucial role in shaping the policies and governance of Telangana.
Konda Surekha’s political journey is a testament to her resilience and dedication. From her early days as a Mandal Parishad member to her current role as a Cabinet Minister, she has navigated the complexities of Indian politics with determination. Her career, marked by both achievements and controversies, reflects the dynamic nature of political life in India.