Telangana Minister Konda Surekha has issued an apology following backlash over her remarks connecting Bharat Raksha Samithi (BRS) leader KT Rama Rao (KTR) to the divorce of actors Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Prabhu. Her comments, made during a viral video, claimed that KTR played a role in the actors’ separation, drawing significant criticism from the film community and political circles.
In response to KTR sending her a legal notice demanding a retraction and an apology, Surekha clarified her intentions via social media. She stated that her remarks aimed to question KTR’s treatment of women, asserting, “I have never brought up issues of anyone’s family for political gains.” She expressed regret if her comments had unintentionally hurt Samantha or her family.
Surekha further emphasized that she had never intended to demean anyone, stating, “The way you have grown up with self-power is not only an admiration for me but also an ideal.” Her apology included a commitment to uphold the dignity of her profession.
The controversy ignited when Surekha alleged that the divorce of Naga Chaitanya and Samantha was linked to KTR’s influence, claiming that industry pressures contributed to their separation. Her statements prompted outrage from several celebrities, leading KTR to label her claims as “baseless and malicious.”
In light of the incident, BRS spokesperson Dasoju Sravan called for the Congress party to dismiss Surekha from her ministerial position, emphasizing the need for decency in politics.
Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Prabhu announced their separation in 2021, with Chaitanya recently getting engaged to actor Sobhita Dhulipala in August 2024. The unfolding drama continues to attract attention, highlighting the intersection of politics and celebrity in contemporary India.
