In a major setback to Forest, Environment and Endowments Minister Konda Surekha, her OSD N Sumanth was removed from duties on Tuesday evening, on charges of corruption. It gained political significance as he was removed without the knowledge of the concerned minister. The Telangana Pollution Control Board (PCB) has taken this key decision in the wake of several serious allegations against him.
PCB Secretary Ravi Gagulothu issued orders to this effect. After the formation of the current government, Sumanth was appointed to the PCB in February 2024 based on a note from the Minister of Forest and Environment and was immediately sent to the Minister’s office. Since then, he has been handling key responsibilities in the Minister’s office.
The government has taken this action after receiving large-scale complaints against Sumanth. Complaints have been received that he interfered in every government matter, putting extreme pressure on officials, and directly interfered in key decisions related to polluting industries. Some people have also complained directly to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) about Sumanth’s activities.
Recently, the allegations against Sumanth have escalated to a more serious level, according to reliable sources. The Chief Minister has ordered the Chief Secretary and the concerned officials to immediately conduct an investigation and take action. In addition, it is learnt that the Intelligence Department has also submitted a detailed report on Sumanth’s activities to the government.
A major incident that took place in the ministerial portfolio also led to Sumanth’s removal. It was reported that Minister Konda Surekha had complained to Congress President Kharge about the combined Warangal district in-charge Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy regarding the recent Medaram jathara works. The note regarding this complaint was sent to the media by the Minister’s PRO.
Both Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Minister Ponguleti are said to be angry over Surekha complaining directly to the party high-command. With this action, it seems that they were intended to convey Konda Surekha on her limitations.
It was alleged that the OSD Sumanth directly spoke to the engineers and put pressure on them in this dispute. It seems that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has taken the unnecessary interference in the ministerial portfolios seriously. However, the fact is any OSD with a minister normally conveys the minister’s directions to officials.
By removing Sumanth, the Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has said to be intended to give a signal that special attention should be paid to those who are doing similar activities in the offices of other ministers and the secretariat. Through this removal, the government has sent a signal that steps are being taken to ensure transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government.
