'Some Ministers Take Bribes To Clear Files, I Don’t': Telangana Minister Surekha Sparks Row

Telangana Forest Minister Konda Surekha has found herself at the center of a political storm after a video surfaced showing her suggesting that while some ministers accepted bribes to clear official files, she had instead encouraged companies to invest in community development.

The remarks, made during the inauguration of a new college building in Warangal, have gone viral, triggering sharp criticism from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), which is now calling for a formal investigation.

Recounting an interaction with a corporate entity seeking her approval for a file, Surekha said she declined any monetary offer and instead advised the company to fund public welfare initiatives. The Rs 4.5 crore college building was constructed using Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds from Aurobindo Pharma, after the old structure was deemed unsafe.

BRS Reacts Strongly

Former minister KT Rama Rao (KTR) was quick to respond, sarcastically praising Surekha for "speaking some truths." He alleged that the current Congress-led administration in Telangana functions on a commission-based system with ministers refusing to process files unless they receive a share.

Former Minister KTR said, "Many congratulations to Minister Konda Surekha garu for finally speaking some truths! Congress in Telangana runs a “commission sarkaar”, and it's unfortunate this has become an open secret in Telangana. In this 30% commission government, ministers, according to their own colleague minister do not sign files without taking a hefty cut. Contractors even staged a dharna inside the secretariat, exposing the Govt’s commission business."

Further, he requested the Minister to name all the Minister involved and questioned whether CM or Congress MP Rahul Gandhi could order a probe. 

Minister Offers Clarification

In response to the backlash, Surekha took to X (formerly Twitter) to defend her statement, claiming that her comments were being misrepresented. She clarified that her remarks were directed at ministers from the previous BRS government, not her current Congress colleagues. She also promised to release a video with further clarification.

Taking to X, Surekha said, "Some people have completely distorted my comments, such as my statement that ministers in the previous BRS government would take money to do any work. I made those comments referring to the performance of ministers in the previous BRS government. It is not reasonable to distort my comments. I will provide more details on this entire issue through a video today."

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