Appointment of Patnam Mahender Reddy as Chief Whip is unconstitutional: Harish Rao
Harish Rao pointed out that a whip is issued to ensure party members follow party orders. If Mahender Reddy issues a whip to the opposition, it raises questions about which party he represents.
Hyderabad: BRS leader and former Minister Harish Rao raised concerns over the appointment of Patnam Mahender Reddy as the Chief Whip, calling it unconstitutional. He accused the Congress party of violating the constitution. According to Rao, the Chief Whip’s responsibility is to ensure the passage of bills and the smooth conduct of government business. He questioned whom Mahender Reddy would issue the whip to- will it be to the members of the ruling party or the opposition?
Rao pointed out that a whip is issued to ensure party members follow party orders. If Mahender Reddy issues a whip to the opposition, it raises questions about which party he represents.
Rao highlighted that the current situation in the state is another example of constitutional violations. He mentioned that the Speaker had stated that the BRS party had 38 members by the end of the legislative assembly session. However, Congress members also claimed the same, only to later deny it.
Rao emphasized that Mahender Reddy’s disqualification petition is pending with the Chairman, who must decide on it as the Council Chairman. He questioned how the Council Chairman could issue a bulletin appointing Mahender Reddy as the Chief Whip while his disqualification petition is still pending.
Rao also pointed out that Mahender Reddy campaigned for a Congress party MP candidate, indicating a clear case of party defection. He questioned how an official G.O issued appointing Mahender Reddy as the Chief Whip could be dated as March 15, while allowing him to hoist the flag in the capacity as an MLC on the Independence Day besides June 2, and September 17.
Rao reiterated that the appointment of Mahender Reddy as the Chief Whip by the Council Chairman, while his disqualification petition is pending, is unconstitutional. He cited this as an example of how the constitution is being violated under Revanth‘s leadership. Rao also mentioned that the Congress government had acted similarly in the case of the PAC Chairman’s position. He noted that even the Chief Minister and ministers had acknowledged that Arekapudi Gandhi is a BRS MLA. Which party does he belong to as the PAC chairman, he questioned.