Sabitha vs Revanth: ‘Sisters’ remark angers BRS; heated arguments in Assembly

Hyderabad: The Telangana assembly witnessed a stormy session on Wednesday afternoon, with opposition and treasury benches sparring during a discussion on the Appropriation Bill 2024.

It all started after CM Revanth Reddy remarked to K T Rama Rao that he would end up in front of Jubilee Bus Stand if he listened to sisters seated behind him. They (CM did not name anyone) were on this side earlier and said many things only to turn up on the opposite side afterwards.

Revanth said this after KTR assured all support from his party to the government if they took decisions and actions that benefit the people of the State. "When the Leader of the Opposition (referring to K Chandrashekar Rao) himself does not turn up for assembly sessions and ignores them, how can the government take their words seriously?," Revanth questioned.

The sisters' remark angered the BRS members, who protested and sought CM's unconditional apology. In the chit chat with media, Revath Reddy said, "There was nothing unparliamentary in my speech and not a single rude word was used. Sabitha Reddy is also given a chance to speak in the house. She raised personal issues and I completed the rest."

Revanth Reddy said, "Where is KCR and Harish Rao when the BRS claimed Sabitha is insulted in the house? Why did KCR go missing without paying attention to his party members.? If KTR and Harish Rao are running the opposition in the house why did they choose KCR as the floor leader? KCR should be removed as floor leader. KCR is not a responsible leader. KCR wants power only . KCR lost power and forgot the people's problems. KCR must be removed as Leader of Opposition."

Legislative Affairs Minister D Sridhar Babu intervened and reasoned that the CM did not take out any names. "Unnecessarily, BRS members were provocating the women MLAs just to grab front-page headlines in papers," he fumed.

Further, Minister Seethakka said that BRS has no moral right to speak about disrespect for women for the treatment they meted out to former governor Tamilisai Soundararajan.

But the BRS members were not in the mood to budge.

Sabitha asks Revanth to withdraw his words

Ultimately, Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar offered Sabitha Indira Reddy a chance to speak.

Sabitha strongly objected to Revanth Reddy's remark. She wanted to know why CM Reddy was constantly targeting her. She reminded him that she welcomed Revanth after he joined Congress and even said that he would have a bright future and could become CM one day.

"CM is alleging that we had deceived the party. Was I at fault for wishing him only good?," she said, demanding Revanth Reddy withdraw his words.

Revanth Reddy's response

Responding to these, Revanth said that what Sabitha Akka said was true, and she warmly welcomed him to the party. However, he said he had to disclose another thing, much like what Sabithakka shared.

"After assuring me full support for my candidature in Malkajgiri parliamentary seat (in 2019 elections), Sabithakka left me high and dry by joining the BRS party to become a minister," Revanth said, informing the opposition benches that he had to leave the session to welcome the new Governor in Shamshabad airport.

Then Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka intervened and took objection to Sabitha Indra Reddy's words. He recalled when a Congress delegation led by him met her and requested her not to shift to the BRS party as it would deprive the party and a Dalit leader like him of the status of Leader of Opposition in the Assembly.

"However, our pleas went on deaf ears as she joined BRS for selfish gains to become a minister and in the process of dumping the Congress party that had given key posts and respects to her," Bhatti said.

The BRS leaders continued to protest. With requests for maintaining order in the House falling on deaf ears, Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar adjourned the House for a short break.

When proceedings resumed, BRS members continued with their protest, making it difficult for other members to participate in a debate on the appropriation bill.

At this juncture, the Speaker directed the Finance Minister to move for consideration and passing of the Telangana Appropriation Bill 2024, which was approved amidst the din.

The sudden turn of events left the BRS members shocked and they continued their protest in-house for some time.

CM insulted the entire women of the State

Addressing the media, Sabitha Indra Reddy (who had tears in her eyes) and Sunitha Laxma Reddy criticized CM for his uncharitable and unwarranted remarks against senior members like them, who have been in public life for more than 20-30 years.

They said that the Congress party adjourned the House and ran away, unable to face them. K T Rama Rao also termed Revanth an unfit CM and slammed Bhatti Vikramarka for insensitive remarks against the women legislators.

KTR calls for burning of CM effigy

K T Rama Rao has directed BRS party functionaries to burn effigies of CM Revanth Reddy across the State tomorrow in protest against remarks made against women MLAs.