Hyderabad: Endowments Minister Konda Surekha staying away from the prestigious Medaram Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara has triggered political speculation, with indications of continuing differences within the state cabinet. While Ministers Seethakka and Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, along with several public representatives, attended the festival on its opening day, Surekha did not participate in official reviews related to Jatara arrangements, despite Medaram falling under her department.
Political sources say Surekha’s absence reflects an ongoing “cold war” with district in-charge minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, whom she had earlier accused of interfering in Endowments Department matters. The state government had sanctioned ₹250 crore for permanent infrastructure works at Medaram, and Surekha reportedly raised concerns over Ponguleti’s involvement with party leadership, including AICC Telangana in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan.
Both Surekha and Seethakka represent the erstwhile Warangal district in the Revanth Reddy cabinet, while Ponguleti serves as the district in-charge minister. There is growing resentment among local ministers over Ponguleti’s alleged dominance in district affairs. Although efforts were made to resolve differences following meetings involving PCC chief Mahesh Kumar Goud and Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, sources say tensions remain unresolved.
Medaram falls under Seethakka’s constituency, and she visited the Jatara along with Ponguleti. The four-day festival, held from January 28 to 31, attracts lakhs of devotees. Ponguleti visited Medaram with his family on January 28 night, followed by Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka and PCC chief Mahesh Kumar Goud on January 29. However, the Endowments Minister’s absence was viewed as politically significant.
Sources also said Surekha was sidelined in issuing VVIP and VIP passes, leading to dissatisfaction among her supporters. Allegations of poor-quality infrastructure works at Medaram have also surfaced, with Surekha’s camp earlier accusing Ponguleti of awarding contracts to close associates.
Party insiders claim Surekha believes Ponguleti is encouraging rival factions within the district, further deepening the divide. Political observers say her decision to skip the Jatara was influenced by these developments, with some suggesting she is being politically marginalised.
Surekha Visits Later as Devotee
On Friday morning, Surekha visited Medaram to offer prayers to Goddess Sammakka but did so only as a regular MLA rather than in her capacity as Endowments Minister. She said she prayed for the welfare of people across the state and stated that the government had ensured adequate arrangements for devotees. Sources, however, said her limited visit followed advice from state leadership to set aside differences ahead of municipal elections.