Illegal mining claims: 24 BRS MLAs suspended from Telangana Assembly for two days
The Opposition sought to move an adjournment motion to discuss the issue, but the Speaker rejected the request
By Newsmeter Network
File Photo
Hyderabad: High drama unfolded in the Telangana Assembly on Sunday as 24 Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLAs were suspended for two days following persistent disruptions over allegations of corruption and illegal mining against Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy.
The suspension, announced by Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar, came after the House adopted a resolution moved by Legislative Affairs Minister D Sridhar Babu through a voice vote, amid continued sloganeering and protests by opposition members.
Opposition demands probe, stalls proceedings
The confrontation began as soon as the House convened for the day, with BRS members demanding the constitution of a House Committee to investigate the alleged illegal mining activities linked to the minister.
The Opposition sought to move an adjournment motion to discuss the issue, but the Speaker rejected the request. In response, BRS legislators rushed into the well of the House, raising slogans and halting proceedings.
Government rejects House Committee demand
The ruling Congress government firmly opposed the demand for a House Committee, asserting that a comprehensive probe had already been initiated.
Treasury bench members pointed out that the government has ordered a CB-CID inquiry into all alleged illegal mining activities in the state since June 2, 2014, making any parallel legislative probe unnecessary.
War of words escalates tensions
The situation escalated into a heated exchange between members of the ruling party and the opposition. Remarks made by BRS MLA Kaushik Reddy against senior leader Kadiyam Srihari triggered strong objections from the treasury benches, further intensifying the standoff.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy accused the BRS of deliberately disrupting the House and obstructing legislative business. He alleged that the Opposition was pushing for a House Committee to exert pressure on the minister through select panel members.
The Chief Minister urged BRS leaders to submit any evidence they possess to the CB-CID instead of stalling Assembly proceedings.
Suspension after repeated disruptions
Despite repeated appeals by the Speaker to maintain order, BRS members continued their protest, prompting the Legislative Affairs Minister to move a resolution for their suspension.
The House subsequently approved the motion, leading to the suspension of 24 BRS MLAs, including senior leaders such as T Harish Rao, KT Rama Rao, T Srinivas Yadav, Jagdish Reddy and Gangula Kamalakar.
BRS protests, alleges suppression of voice
Following their suspension, BRS legislators staged a protest within the Assembly premises, accusing the Congress government of muzzling the Opposition and avoiding accountability on serious allegations.
They reiterated their demand for a fair and transparent probe through a House Committee.
Budget Session nears conclusion
The developments come just days before the conclusion of the ongoing Budget session of the Telangana Assembly, which is scheduled to end on March 31, adding urgency and intensity to the political confrontation.
