Telangana minister Konda Surekha apologises Samantha and Naga Chaitanya

Telangana Minister Konda Surekha has apologized and retracted her controversial remarks linking BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) to the divorce of actors Samantha and Naga Chaitanya.

Surekha, who faced widespread backlash and a legal notice from KTR, issued her apology on Thursday after facing a defamation suit. In a series of tweets, the 59-year-old Congress leader clarified that her comments were aimed at KTR’s alleged mistreatment of women, not at Samantha, and expressed regret if her words had hurt the actor’s feelings.

Also read: Nagarjuna condemns minister Surekha’s remarks on Samantha and Naga Chaitanya’s divorce

"My comments are meant to question a leader's belittling of women and not to hurt your @Samanthaprabhu2 sentiments. The way you have grown up with self-power is not only an admiration for me, but also an ideal," Surekha tweeted. She added, "If you or your fans are offended by my comments, I unconditionally retract them."

Surekha’s earlier remarks, which quickly went viral, accused KTR of interfering in the personal lives of celebrities, particularly in the separation of Samantha and Naga Chaitanya. She alleged that KTR's involvement was linked to the preservation of the N Convention hall and claimed that Nagarjuna had pressured Samantha into seeking a divorce to save the venue. She also insinuated that KTR was responsible for other controversies, including drug-related issues affecting the industry.

KTR, who responded swiftly by issuing a legal notice, condemned Surekha’s statements as "disgusting and nauseating politics" and suggested that the Congress leader and Telangana Chief Minister should seek mental health treatment. Samantha, Naga Chaitanya, and Nagarjuna, along with others from the Telugu film industry, also criticized the minister’s remarks.