Konda Surekha Vs Tollywood: Who Is The Politician Targeting Samantha-Naga Chaitanya Over Divorce?

Samantha Ruth Prabhu-Naga Chaitanya's Divorce Controversy: On October 2, Telangana cabinet minister Konda Surekha made serious allegations against Bharatiya Rashtra Samiti (BRS) leader KT Rama Rao during a public speech. She linked the separation of actors Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Ruth Prabhu to BRS working president KTR, sparking big controversy. Her claims have faced backlash from both political circles and the film industry, prompting KTR and veteran actor Nagarjuna Akkineni to take legal action against her.

Amid the uproar, Konda Surekha attempted to explain her comments, calling them a "slip of the tongue". However, despite her clarification, the issue has attracted huge outrage. So, who is Konda Surekha, and what exactly did she say about these much-loved actors' matters?

Who is Konda Surekha? 

Konda Surekha has been a known figure in Telangana politics for over two decades. Born in Warangal, India, to Thumma Chandramouli and Thumma Radha, she is a 1985 alumna of Kakatiya University, Warangal, as she holds a Bachelor of Commerce (B Com) degree. Konda married to Konda Murali, who is also a known politician.

Her political journey began in 1995 when she became a member of the Mandal Parishad, and by 1999, she was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). The following year, she joined the Congress party.

Konda Surekha's political journey

In 2011, she served as the Minister for Women's Development, Child Welfare and Disabled and Juvenile Welfare under YS Rajasekhara Reddy's government. After his death, she resigned and contested the 2012 by-polls as a candidate for the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). In 2013, she left YSRCP due to differences with the leadership.

In 2014, Surekha, along with her husband, joined the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS). Four years later, they left TRS and rejoined the Congress party.

Ahead of the 2023 Telangana Legislative Assembly elections, Surekha declared assets worth nearly ₹6 crore. She has five criminal cases against her, including attempted murder, unlawful assembly, and rioting, though she has not been convicted. Recently, she has gained attention in the film industry.

How did the Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Naga Chaitanya divorce controversy start?

On October 2, Konda Surekha made shocking claims about the divorce of Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, accusing then-minister KT Rama Rao (KTR) of being responsible for their separation in 2021.

Speaking to the media, She alleged that KTR pressured Samantha to be sent to him in exchange for not demolishing the N-Convention Centre, owned by Naga Chaitanya's father, Nagarjuna Akkineni. According to Konda Surekha, when the Kushi actress refused, it ultimately led to the couple’s divorce.

Her statements, “KTR asked to send Samantha in return for not demolishing the N-convention centre. Nagarjuna forced Samantha to go to KTR, but she said no. That led to divorce.”

The N-Convention Centre was partially demolished on August 24, 2024, due to alleged violations of lake buffer zone regulations. Nagarjuna later obtained a stay order from the High Court and addressed the issue on social media.

Telangana politician further accused KTR of unethical conduct, claiming he tapped the phones of actresses, exploited their vulnerabilities, and blackmailed them.

Her allegations sparked a major controversy, with many figures from politics and the film industry, including Nagarjuna, Samantha, Naga Chaitanya, Khushbu, and several BRS leaders, condemning her. Later she withdrew her remark but both Naga Chaitanya and KTR have also filed complaints against her.