Hyderabad: Following her unceremonious exit from the state cabinet, former minister Konda Surekha has not given any indications about her next move.While there are speculations on what lay ahead for the embattled leader — staying in the Congress, moving to another party, or floating her own outfit — Congress leaders said Surekha and her family can be unpredictable at times and could take any decision.Her daughter K Susmita has reportedly been in touch with Jana Sena Party. Susmita has also challenged chief minister A Revanth Reddy to contest against her mother.While a section of Congress leaders is of the opinion that Surekha may bide her time before taking a final decision, a few others said clarity would emerge within a week.There was not much activity in front of her residences in Hyderabad or in Warangal on Friday. Sources said the possibility of a by-election in near future looks bleak as Surekha may not resign from her MLA post.Analysts point out that Surekha has already worked in the Congress, then the YSRCP, and the BRS, before returning to Congress. The talk is that she may look towards the BJP at a later stage. But Surekha herself has maintained silence on her next move. All she has said so far is: “We will discuss within the family and later with the followers and cadre before taking a final call.”Congress leaders in Warangal said the family is interested in seeking two to three seats, one for Surekha and another MLA seat for her daughter. Surekha’s husband and former MLC Konda Murali may want to hold a nominated post.Political observers said the BJP will be keen to know if Surekha wants to join the saffron party. The BJP is weak in the combined districts such as Warangal, Nalgonda and Khammam and would definitely get a boost if a candidate of Surekha’s stature comes into their fold. The BJP specialises in by-elections, said a political observer.Keeping in mind ‘there are no permanent friends or enemies in politics’, even the BRS will weigh its options. The Congress is sceptical even though TPCC president B Mahesh Kumar Goud has said that they want Konda Surekha to remain in the party.Speculations were rife following an X handle bearing the name “Konda Surekha” on Friday posted: “The wait is almost over… a big update is coming soon. Stay tuned, Telangana.”Surekha though immediately clarified that it was not her official handle and that she had not made those comments. She listed out her official social handles and IDs urging people to follow them for genuine updates.
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