Hyderabad, Mar 13 (UNI) The Telangana Assembly witnessed heated exchanges on Thursday, leading to the House being adjourned for 15 minutes amid protests and counter-allegations.
The situation escalated when BRS MLA and former Minister Jagadish Reddy remarked that even the Governor had not read the speech wholeheartedly, questioning the implementation of welfare schemes such as the Maha Lakshmi scheme and farmer loan waivers. He accused the ruling party of misleading the public with false promises.
In response, Telangana Government Whip Adi Srinivas countered Jagadish Reddy's claims, asserting that the Congress government had waived off loans worth Rs 21,000 crore and was successfully implementing free electricity up to 200 units for the poor.
Minister Komatireddy Venkatareddy further criticised the previous BRS government, questioning whether they had fulfilled promises such as granting three acres of land to Dalits and providing double-bedroom houses.
Former minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav commented, "If ministers behave this way, how can the Assembly function smoothly?"
Legislative Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar intervened, reminding members to adhere to the discussion on the Governor's address. He emphasised that members deviating from the topic would invite counterarguments and warned both sides to maintain decorum.
Legislative Affairs Minister Sridhar Babu demanded that Jagadish Reddy withdraw his comments, arguing that disrespecting the Speaker was an insult to the House. He highlighted that the Congress government had achieved in 14 months what the previous administration could not accomplish in a decade.
Speaker Prasad Kumar urged Jagadish Reddy to remain calm, stating that misleading the House was inappropriate. Jagadish Reddy, however, defended himself, claiming he had not said anything wrong and emphasised that all members had equal rights in the House.
In response to Jagadish Reddy's remarks, Congress MLAs protested, demanding an apology from him. Government Whip Adluri Laxman called for Jagadish Reddy's immediate suspension, accusing the BRS party of disrespecting the Dalit community.
Amid the tense atmosphere, Speaker Prasad Kumar adjourned the House for 15 minutes to restore order.
UNI VV GNK