Telengana-Hyderabad:  On October 2, Congress leader and Telangana cabinet minister Konda Surekha leveled serious accusations against Bharatiya Rashtra Samiti (BRS) leader KT Rama Rao (KTR) during a public address. Surekha claimed that KTR had a significant role in the divorce of popular actors Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Naga Chaitanya. She alleged that KTR interfered in the personal lives of many actresses, pushing them to leave the film industry, marry early, or face blackmail due to his influence.

Surekha said, "KTR was the reason why many actresses left movies and married early, or were blackmailed due to the influence of drugs." She asserted that KTR's involvement in the couple's personal affairs contributed to their separation.

Further Allegations Regarding Property Deals

In addition to her claims about the divorce, Surekha alleged that KTR had made a deal with actor Nagarjuna regarding the demolition of the N Convention Centre, which is partly owned by Nagarjuna. She suggested that KTR's influence extended beyond the film industry, mentioning his alleged participation in "drug rave parties" and accusing him of soliciting sexual favors from actresses in exchange for not demolishing properties.

Surekha further stated that KTR's request for favors from Samantha was crucial in the breakdown of her marriage with Naga Chaitanya. “KTR asked for sexual favors from Samantha in return for not demolishing their co-owned property,” she claimed.

These remarks ignited a strong reaction within the Telugu film industry. Prominent actors, including Nagarjuna, Junior NTR, and Amala Akkineni, expressed their disapproval of Surekha's comments.

Nagarjuna condemned the statements, saying, "I strongly condemn the comments of Honourable Minister Mrs. Konda Surekha. Don’t use the lives of movie stars who stay away from politics to criticize your opponents. Please respect other people’s privacy. As a woman in a responsible position, your comments and accusations against our family are completely irrelevant and false. I request you to withdraw your comments immediately."

Amala Akkineni also shared her outrage on X (formerly Twitter), calling Surekha a “demon” and urging her to retract her remarks. “Shocked to hear a woman minister turn into a demon, conjuring evil fiction allegations, preying on decent citizens as fuel for a political war. Madam Minister, do you rely and believe people with no decency to feed you utterly scandalous stories about my husband without an iota of shame or truth?” she posted.

She further appealed to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, stating, “If leaders lower themselves into the gutter and behave like criminals, what will happen to our country? Mr. Rahul Gandhiji, if you believe in human decency, please restrain your politicians and make your minister retract her venomous statements with an apology to my family.”

Surekha's Apology and Legal Action

Facing pressure from the film industry and public backlash, Konda Surekha posted an apology on X, specifically addressing Samantha Ruth Prabhu. In her post, written in Telugu, she stated, "My intention was only to point out how a leader is belittling towards women but not to hurt your sentiments, Samantha. If you or your fans have been hurt by my words, I unconditionally retract them. Please do not take it otherwise.”

Despite her retraction, KTR has filed a defamation lawsuit against Surekha, demanding an official apology for her statements. Surekha had also previously accused KTR of involvement in phone tapping, drugs, and blackmail, further escalating the situation.

About Konda Surekha

Konda Surekha has been a prominent figure in Telangana politics for over two decades. Born in Warangal, she began her political career in 1995 as a member of the Mandal Parishad, later becoming a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in 1999. She officially joined the Congress party in 2000.

In 2011, she served as the Minister for Women Development, Child Welfare, and Disabled and Juvenile Welfare under the government of YS Rajasekhara Reddy. Following Reddy's death, she resigned and later contested by-polls in 2012 as a candidate for YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). In 2013, citing differences with the party leadership, she left YSRCP.

Konda Surekha joined the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) in 2014, alongside her husband Konda Murali. However, after four years, both left TRS and rejoined the Congress party. She currently serves as the Minister for Forests, Environment, and Endowments in Telangana’s government.

KTR's Defamation Suit

KTR, recognized for his influential role in Telangana politics, has not remained silent regarding the allegations. He filed a defamation suit against Surekha, demanding an apology for what he calls "false statements," particularly concerning his alleged involvement in personal disputes and illegal activities.

The legal proceedings are anticipated to be a significant battle as Surekha’s statements continue to draw considerable attention.