Konda Surekha hits back at for er colleagues

Speaking at a meeting with her supporters in Warangal, Surekha took a dig at Saraiah over his recent challenge that she should contest against him. Referring to his public statements, she remarked that he had not seen a microphone for a long time and was becoming overly animated after getting one.

Surekha also responded to Saraiah’s reported claim that he could defeat her in an Assembly election. Turning the challenge around, she said Saraiah should first demonstrate his electoral strength by defeating one of her supporters in a municipal corporator election before talking about contesting against her for the Assembly.

Saraiah had earlier challenged Surekha to resign as MLA and contest against him as an independent candidate from Warangal East. He had said he was prepared to enter the contest himself and let voters decide who enjoyed greater public support.

Surekha also criticised Naini Rajender Reddy, referring to earlier disagreements between the two leaders over political and temple-related issues in Warangal. The differences between their camps have surfaced publicly on several occasions, including disputes surrounding the Bhadrakali temple administration.

The latest exchange comes amid wider factional tensions within the Warangal Congress. Surekha has recently faced criticism from sections of the party, while she has accused some leaders of targeting her and questioned whether different standards were being applied within the Congress.

The fresh war of words is likely to keep the spotlight on the Congress’s internal equations in Warangal ahead of the upcoming local political battles.