Revanth Reddy Orders Inquiry Into Assembly Clash, Erravelli Controversy
HYDERABAD: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the Assembly clashes and the Erravelli “purification” row.
The inquiry will also cover alleged derogatory remarks against Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar. Police officer Vijay Kumar will lead the probe, Reddy said.
The chief minister said police had already registered criminal cases against those allegedly involved in the remarks and the alleged conspiracy behind the incidents.
Erravelli ‘purification’ row
The controversy began after BRS leaders allegedly sprinkled turmeric water at a site near BRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao’s farmhouse in Erravelli, Siddipet district.
Scheduled Caste groups had earlier staged a protest at the site. Congress leaders condemned the alleged act and called it an insult to Dalits.
Reddy questioned the practice of “purifying” a place after Dalits had used it. He asked how such practices could end untouchability in people’s minds.
The chief minister also warned that authorities would invoke the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act if the probe found any violations.
CM targets ‘feudal mindset’
Reddy criticised what he called a “feudal mindset” behind the controversy. He also compared attacks on the dignity of the Speaker with acts of terrorism.
He questioned whether extreme provocation against the Assembly Chair should be treated differently from major attacks such as Pulwama and the Parliament attack.
Reddy also referred to 26/11 terror convict Ajmal Kasab while making his point.
The chief minister further warned that caste-based discrimination could have social consequences. He said Telangana society would not “give bail” to leaders accused of such acts, even if courts granted them bail.
22 BRS MLAs suspended
The Assembly witnessed repeated disruptions over the issue.
The House suspended 22 BRS MLAs for the rest of the session. The suspended leaders include BRS working president KT Rama Rao and former minister T Harish Rao.
The suspension followed heated scenes over the protest and the Erravelli “purification” row.
BRS raises police misconduct allegation
The BRS has demanded a discussion on alleged police misconduct against its women legislators during Tuesday’s protest.
The party accused the Congress government of diverting attention from the issue. It has also disputed the allegations surrounding the Erravelli incident.
Meanwhile, police separately arrested two BRS MLCs, T Madhusudhan and N Naveen Kumar Reddy. They face allegations of making derogatory remarks against the Speaker.
A city court later rejected their remand and released them on personal sureties.
The dispute has now widened beyond the Assembly. It involves allegations of caste discrimination, Assembly discipline and criminal proceedings, further deepening the political fight between the Congress government and the BRS.
