Telangana Congress minister Konda Surekha has ignited a controversy with her recent remarks targeting Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao (KTR). During a media event on October 2, Surekha made serious allegations, claiming that KTR was involved in drug-related parties and directly responsible for the divorce of actors Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Ruth Prabhu.
In her heated speech, Surekha accused KTR of being a drug addict who hosted rave parties for film celebrities. She claimed that many actresses had shortened their careers due to his influence, stating, “Naga Chaitanya's divorce took place 100 percent due to KTR. This is because to not demolish N Convention Hall, you had to send Samantha to me. Nagarjuna had forced Samantha to go (to KTR), and they said that either you listen to us or give us a divorce.” Surekha further alleged that KTR had demanded sexual favours from the Akkineni family in exchange for political favours, adding fuel to the already heated atmosphere.
Telangana Minister's Shocking Claims Ignite Outrage: 5 Key Developments
Here's a look at five key developments so far in the controversy surrounding Konda Surekha's remarks. In response to these incendiary claims, veteran actor Nagarjuna, father of Naga Chaitanya, was quick to speak out. He condemned Surekha’s comments as false and irrelevant, urging her to respect the privacy of individuals, especially those not involved in politics.
Amala Akkineni, Nagarjuna’s wife and Naga Chaitanya's mother, also expressed her anger over Surekha's comments. She labelled the minister a “demon” and accused her of exploiting decent citizens for political gain. Amala took to social media to call for accountability from political leaders, urging figures like Rahul Gandhi to ensure their ministers refrain from making such "venomous statements."
Naga Chaitanya himself addressed the situation, describing the emotional toll of his divorce from Samantha Ruth Prabhu. He expressed that arriving at the decision was painful and emphasised that it was made mutually, devoid of any political pressure from KTR. He labelled Surekha's claims as “false, ridiculous, and unacceptable,” seeking to clarify that their separation was personal.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu also weighed in, emphasising the need for respect and responsibility in public discourse. She urged Konda Surekha to acknowledge the personal nature of her divorce and to refrain from dragging it into political battles. Samantha insisted that their separation was based on mutual consent and was not influenced by KTR.
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The backlash against Konda Surekha’s comments resonated throughout the Telugu film industry. Prominent actors, including Chiranjeevi, Jr. NTR, and Allu Arjun, publicly condemned the minister's statements, highlighting their insensitivity towards the personal lives of actors. Many criticised her for using actors as scapegoats to further her political agenda, pointing out the inappropriate nature of her comments.
In a decisive legal move, KTR sent a notice to Minister Konda Surekha, demanding an immediate retraction of her statements and an unconditional apology within 24 hours to prevent defamation and potential criminal proceedings. KTR's legal counsel stated that Surekha’s “vitriolic campaign” aimed to tarnish his reputation.
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