Tensions Flare in Telangana Assembly Over ACB Investigation into KTR
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Hyderabad, Dec 20 (NationPress) A corruption case against former minister K. T. Rama Rao linked to the Formula-E car race sent shockwaves through the Telangana State Assembly on Friday, as the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) called for a debate on the matter.
The assembly experienced chaotic scenes as BRS members disrupted proceedings to insist on a discussion.
When the session commenced, the BRS immediately brought up the issue of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) initiating a case against the BRS working president, demanding a debate.
Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar dismissed their request for a discussion, attempting to move forward with the scheduled agenda. The BRS continued to interrupt the session, chanting slogans against the government.
Congress MLA R. Prakash Reddy remarked that since the Governor had permitted the case against KTR and the ACB had commenced its investigation, there was no room for discussion in the assembly. He accused the BRS of sowing confusion among the populace.
The Speaker urged BRS members to engage in the debate on the Telangana Bhu Bharati (Record of Rights in Land) Bill, 2024, stating that the Formula E race concerned an individual while the Bhu Bharati Bill was about the citizens.
While Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy was addressing the Bhu Bharati Bill, BRS members attempted to approach the Speaker’s podium, prompting marshals to intervene. Some BRS members hurled pieces of paper towards the Speaker. In the ensuing chaos, several Congress MLAs retaliated by tearing paper and throwing it at BRS members, resulting in utter disorder.
BRS members accused Congress MLA Veernapally Shankar of showing a shoe to a Dalit legislator, demanding a case against the Congress member.
As the uproar continued, the Speaker adjourned the assembly for 15 minutes. Upon reconvening, the BRS persisted in its protest, demanding a discussion on the ACB case.
Despite the Speaker’s repeated requests to allow the assembly to proceed, BRS members remained in the well, insisting on a debate.
The Speaker adjourned the House a second time and invited BRS MLAs to his chambers.
He appealed for their cooperation in conducting the assembly's business. They reiterated their demand for a discussion on the Formula-E race case. The Speaker stated he would convey their request to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, the leader of the House, for a decision.
Earlier, BRS member Harish Rao stated that while the assembly was in session, an illegal case had been filed against a member.
Harish Rao alleged that the ruling party was attempting to create issues for the BRS by “tarnishing” KTR’s reputation.
Denying any misconduct regarding the Formula-E race, Harish Rao claimed the BRS government organized the event to boost the state’s revenue. “Since the Congress government is asserting we did something wrong, we demand the government clarify this in this esteemed House by permitting a debate,” he stated.
