Wed Oct 02 18:38:35 UTC 2024: ## Telanagana Minister Sparks Controversy with Claims Linking KTR to Samantha-Naga Chaitanya Divorce
**Hyderabad:** A statement made by Telanagana’s Forest and Environment Minister, Konda Surekha, on Wednesday has sparked a major controversy. Accusing K.T. Rama Rao (KTR), the working president of the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party, of being responsible for the divorce of Telugu actors Samantha and Naga Chaitanya, Surekha has been met with widespread condemnation.
During a press interaction, Surekha launched a scathing attack on KTR, alleging that he is a drug addict and has a history of organizing rave parties for prominent figures in the film industry. She claimed that KTR not only consumed drugs himself but also introduced several actresses to the habit, leading to the downfall of some actresses’ careers and even influencing their marriage decisions.
“Several actresses left the film industry due to his (KTR’s) bad influence and some even got married,” alleged Surekha.
She further alleged that KTR had threatened and blackmailed many people, using his political clout to influence them. She also accused him of orchestrating online smear campaigns against her, leading to character assassination.
Reacting to these accusations, actor Nagarjuna, father of Naga Chaitanya, vehemently refuted Surekha’s claims, calling them “false and baseless.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Nagarjuna demanded that Surekha retract her statements immediately. He expressed disappointment at Surekha’s use of a woman’s personal life and family matters for political gain.
“Respecting privacy is paramount. As a woman in a responsible position, making derogatory comments about another woman and her family is unacceptable. Using film actresses to target political opponents is despicable,” Nagarjuna wrote.
Several other prominent figures have condemned Surekha’s statements, including opposition leaders and even Telangana’s Chief Minister, K. Chandrashekar Rao, who reportedly issued a stern warning to Surekha.
The controversy has brought the focus on the allegations against KTR and the political landscape of Telangana. While Surekha’s accusations have fueled public debate, they have also raised concerns about the ethics of using personal lives and relationships as political weapons.
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