Against the backdrop of the ongoing disciplinary controversy, Endowments Minister Konda Surekha met Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy at his residence on Friday (August 28) and tied a rakhi to him on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

The meeting assumes significance as it was the first interaction between Ms. Surekha and Mr. Revanth Reddy since a controversy erupted over remarks made by her daughter, Konda Sushmitha, against the Chief Minister. The episode had strained relations within the ruling Congress and subsequently led to the party initiating disciplinary proceedings against the Minister.

Ms. Surekha’s visit to the Chief Minister’s residence and the gesture of tying a rakhi is being viewed in political circles as an attempt to signal that the personal and political relationship between the two leaders remains intact. Later, she told reporters that there was no political discussion during her visit and she went to tie the rakhi. She wished that all the womenfolk would bless Mr. Revanth Reddy for his continued efforts to provide the best of life to the women in the State introducing more schemes and strengthening the existing ones.

The meeting came at a time when the disciplinary issue involving the Minister is being examined at the party’s highest level. Following the controversy over her daughter’s comments, the Congress disciplinary mechanism had served a notice to Ms. Surekha seeking her explanation.

However, her response to the notice did not amount to an unequivocal condemnation of her daughter’s remarks. Instead, her reply was perceived within sections of the party as defiant, as she distanced herself completely from the comments and that she cannot be questioned for her daughter’s views.

The TPCC disciplinary committee, headed by MP Mallu Ravi examined the matter and is understood to have recommended action against Ms. Surekha. The matter has since moved to the All India Congress Committee (AICC), which is examining the recommendations and will take a final call on the issue. The latest meeting may have opened a window for reconciliation even as the formal disciplinary process continues.

Minister Seethakka and several MLAs and women leaders of the Congress also tied rakhi to the Chief Minister.