Ministers take money to clear files, not me, claims Konda Surekha; kicks up row
Hyderabad:
An off-the-cuff remark by Telangana Minister for Environment and Forests Konda
Surekha has kicked up a big political row in the State.
Surekha had said,
“Usually, ministers take money to clear files, but not me. I ask companies to
participate in community service.”
She was speaking at a
function for a building to be built by a private firm at Government Girls
Junior College in Krishna Colony, Warangal, under Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR). Aurobindo Pharma Foundation had come forward to construct
the building and other facilities.
Outspoken Surekha in a
bid to explain her honesty said,” Whenever files come to Ministers from
companies, they take money to clear the same. But I don’t take money. Instead,
asked the company to construct the building.”
She added, “The girls’
college building was in dilapidated condition. This was brought to my notice by
the District Collector. They did not know where to get Rs 4.5 crore. Since I
was Forest Minister…some companies come to me for clearance of files. Normally,
to clear such files ministers take money. I told them that they do not have to
give me a single paisa. Please do social service. Please develop the school.
You will be remembered for ever,” she said.
“Government planned a
two-storied building with 15 rooms, auditorium, 60 modern toilets, and
furniture for the benefit of students,” she added.
Comments kick up furore
Surekha’s comments kicked
up a furore in political circles including her own Congress party and
government. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy too was reportedly upset at the
comment and cautioned Ministers to be careful while commenting.
KTR hails Surekha
BRS working president K T
Rama Rao who is active on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), launched
a scathing attack laced with sarcasm against Revanth Reddy Government.
“Heartfelt
congratulations to Konda Surekha for revealing some truths.”
He alleged that the
current Congress government in the state has turned into a “Commission Sarkar,”
adding, “It is now an open secret that the Congress government in Telangana is
functioning as a ‘Commission Sarkar.’
In this government, to
get a file signed, “ministers and their associates are allegedly demanding a 30
percent commission.”
KTR said the situation
was extremely unfortunate and recalled a past incident where certain
contractors had staged a protest in the Secretariat demanding clearance of
pending bills. He said the protest had brought to light the alleged involvement
of ministers in commission scams within the government.
KTR asks Surekha to name
ministers
The BRS Working President
issued a public appeal to Minister Konda Surekha. “You must disclose the names
and details of those ministers who are taking commissions.”
K T R also called upon
senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy
to respond to the matter. “Will you order an inquiry into these serious
allegations made by your cabinet minister?” he asked.
BJP seeks probe
Union Minister and
Telangana BJP president G Kishan Reddy said CM Revanth should order a probe
into the alleged bribery issue.
Surekha clarifies
Surekha later clarified
on X that she was referring to ministers of the previous BRS government and
accused BRS of distorting facts.
“BRS has deliberately
distorted my statement. Our government is delivering governance transparently.
Unable to stomach the good work, the BRS is conducting false campaigns on
social media. I was talking about corruption in the BRS government,” she said.
In the past too, Surekha
landed in soup when she had revealed certain facts about the high-profile
divorce of actors Naga Chaitanya and Samantha. It had sparked outrage within
the political arena and among members of the film fraternity, leading to a series
of public condemnations from actors.
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