The competing agitations signal an early sharpening of political battle lines ahead of the crucial civic contest in Hyderabad.

The removal followed a Congress disciplinary process arising from a series of internal disputes, including controversial remarks made by Surekha’s daughter against Revanth Reddy and other party leaders.

The dispute intensified Wednesday after Surekha met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi to explain her position in a controversy that began with public remarks by her daughter, Konda Sushmita Patel, against Revanth Reddy.