Telangana Forest Minister Accuses BRS Leaders of Online Harassment

Telangana Forest Minister Konda Surekha criticizes BRS leaders for social media harassment following her honored visit to Medak district by BJP MP Raghunandan Rao. Surekha claims derogatory posts left her distressed, urging leaders like KCR, KTR, and Harish Rao to apologize and respect women.

Telangana Forest Minister Konda Surekha has publicly condemned Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leaders for allegedly harassing her on social media following her visit to Medak district, where she was honored with a traditional shawl by BJP MP Madavaneni Raghunandan Rao. The subsequent derogatory post deeply distressed Minister Surekha, affecting her health.

Speaking at a press conference at Gandhi Bhavan on Monday, Surekha said, 'As an in-charge minister, I visited Medak district. MP Raghunandan discussed local issues and honored me with a traditional shawl. However, a derogatory social media post was made, quoting 'who gave them Shaadi Mubarak,' which portrayed me in an insulting manner. It's very distressing, and I haven't eaten or slept since.' She accused BRS leaders of disrespecting her out of frustration from losing political power.

Surekha also targeted BRS leaders, including former Chief Minister KCR, KTR, and Harish Rao, for their alleged roles in the harassment. 'I question KCR, KTR, and Harish Rao. If women in your family were trolled similarly, how would you feel? You were ministers for ten years, respect women. If trolling continues, it will have repercussions. Everyone calls me 'akka' (sister), and one day people will retaliate. Harish Rao and KTR should apologize immediately.'

In response, former minister and BRS leader Harish Rao took to X, stressing the importance of respecting women. 'Respecting women is everyone's responsibility. No one will tolerate disrespect. I sympathize with Minister Surekha's distress and strongly condemn such behavior on social media. I urge everyone to act responsibly,' he wrote.

(With inputs from agencies.)