Telangana Assembly adjourns amid BRS protest over Revanth Reddy’s remarks on women MLAs
HYDERABAD: The Telangana Assembly witnessed nearly 45 minutes intense interruptions on Wednesday after Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s remarks on women MLAs from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). BRS party members raised slogans against Revanth Reddy, which ultimately forced Speaker G Prasad Kumar to adjourn the House temporarily.
The controversy erupted when BRS working president KT Rama Rao was discussing the Pharma City project and expressing concerns about certain officials misleading the government on investments from Davos. During this exchange, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy interjected, advising Rao not to trust people who had joined the BRS from other parties. He further remarked, “Especially do not believe the sisters behind you or else you will have to sit at Jubilee Bus Station,” referring to former Ministers P Sabitha Indra Reddy and Sunitha Laxma Reddy, who were seated behind Rama Rao.
BRS members demand apology
Taking strong exception to the Chief Minister’s comments, BRS members stood up and approached the well of the House, shouting slogans against Revanth Reddy. Legislative Affairs Minister D Sridhar Babu defended the Chief Minister, arguing that he had not mentioned any specific names and that his remarks could apply to anyone, even those outside the Assembly. However, BRS MLAs continued their protest, demanding an apology.
In response, Speaker G Prasad Kumar allowed Sabitha Indra Reddy to address the House. She challenged the Chief Minister’s remarks, questioning his own political journey and asking for a discussion on political defections. She also expressed her dismay at being personally targeted, despite having supported Revanth Reddy in the past.
As the protests escalated, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka intervened, recalling how Sabitha Indra Reddy had defected to the BRS after being given a prominent position in the Congress party. He lamented that her decision had caused him personal political losses, including the loss of his position as Leader of Opposition.
Amidst the ongoing uproar, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy exited the House to welcome the newly appointed Governor, Jishnu Dev Varma, promising to return and address all issues in detail. However, as the arguments between the ruling and opposition members continued, Speaker G Prasad Kumar adjourned the Assembly, bringing an end to the chaotic session.
