Hyderabad: Several ruling Congress MLAs and MLCs in Telangana on Friday, August 21, urged party leadership to take “tough action” over the remarks made by state Forest Minister Konda Surekha’s daughter against Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and other leaders.

About 20 MLAs and MLCs, who addressed a press conference here, also took exception to Surekha’s statement that her daughter’s remarks were her personal views.

Congress MLA Vemula Veeresam said he and his colleagues are in favour of strict action against anyone making comments against the Chief Minister.

“Those who find fault with the CM have no moral right to continue in the party,” he said.

“Konda Surekha in her reply to the disciplinary committee mentioned that she is not connected (in her daughter’s remarks). If you are not concerned, why you did not condemn the remarks. We are asking whether you have a responsibility to condemn such comments or not when you are collectively working with the CM,” he added.

Alleging that Surekha’s comments in the past have hurt the party, he urged AICC or state Congress president to take tough decisions on the matter now.

He demanded that the CM remove such persons, who have become a “headache” for the party and the government.

He suggested that party leaders express their views within the party fora, seeking apology for the comments against the CM.

Congress MLA Vedma Bojju also took exception to the recent comments by other Congress leaders, including Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy and Vice Chairman of State Planning Board G Chinna Reddy in separate contexts.

The Telangana Congress’ disciplinary committee on August 19 had issued a notice to Konda Surekha directing her to submit a reply within three days over the comments made against CM Revanth Reddy by her daughter Sushmita.

In her reply on August 20, Surekha said it is not proper to seek her explanation on the personal comments made by her daugther.

She said holding her resposible for her daughter’s comments was against principles of natural justice.

Reiterating her respect for the Congress leadership and the party’s discipline, Surekha requested the disciplinary committee to acknowledge that she had no involvement in what her daughter spoke.

The minister also sought withdrawal of the notice issued to her by the disciplinary committee.