Konda Surekha says BJP snubbed President Murmu for Ram Temple opening as she’s a widow, sparks row

Hyderabad: Minister Konda Surekha has once again picked a political storm by saying that President Droupadi Murmu was not invited for the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, as ‘she is a widow’.

Minister Konda Surekha made the statement during protests held in New Delhi for the passage of Backward Classes reservation bill in Telangana. Her statements have triggered a strong response from the State BJP.

The fallout

When questioned, Minister Surekha stood by her statement, saying there is nothing inappropriate or wrongful about it. She said a lot of people have talked about it at the time of the temple’s inauguration and it reflects the BJP’s outlook towards SCs, STs and women.

She claimed that her words were a truthful reflection of the situation and that there was no need for her to elaborate. She also specifically condemned the ‘poisonous propaganda’ being spread by BJP leaders regarding her comments at the BC protest.

What is BJP’s reaction?

The BJP condemned the minister’s comment, stating that it disrespects the dignity of the President. They accused her of making derogatory remarks against a constitutional head of state.

The BJP leaders have been vocal in their criticism, demanding that the minister withdraw her statements and issue an apology to President Murmu.

Previous controversial remarks

This is not the first time Konda Surekha’s statements have raised eyebrows.

Last October, she accused BRS party working president, KT Rama Rao, of causing the divorce of film actors Akkineni Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Ruth Prabhu. She also accused KTR of being addicted to drugs.

Speaking to the media persons, Konda Surekha alleged that KTR was the reason for many heroines to get married early and leave the film industry. “KTR is addicted to drugs and got them (female actors) addicted as well. He held rave parties and blackmailed them. It was an open secret within the film industry,” she said.

Surekha also alleged that KTR asked for Samantha’s company in return for not demolishing the N-convention centre. Nagarjuna forced Samantha to meet with KTR but when Samantha said no it led to the divorce, she added.

Samantha and Naga Chaitanya married in October 2017 and announced their separation in October 2021.

Later, despite Minister Konda Surekha apologising to Nagarjuna’s family and Samantha, the Telugu actor Akkineni Nagarjuna filed a defamation case against Surekha in the Nampally court.