BRS leaders allege muzzling in Assembly, demand House panel on mining issue

Senior BRS leaders accused the Congress government of suppressing Opposition voices in the Assembly and evading accountability on alleged illegal mining. They demanded a House Committee probe and criticised the conduct of proceedings and handling of key issues

Hyderabad: Senior BRS leaders on Sunday accused the Congress government of stifling Opposition voices in the Assembly by suspending BRS MLAs to evade accountability on alleged illegal mining. They demanded the constitution of a House Committee to probe the mining irregularities.

Speaking to mediapersons at Telangana Bhavan, BRS deputy floor leader P Sabitha Indra Reddy said the conduct of Assembly proceedings was distressing, with Opposition members being denied opportunities to speak. She said Question Hour was being bypassed, with bills pushed through in haste. She also flagged contradictions within the government over the proposed probe, with some Ministers favouring a House Committee, while others called for a CB-CID inquiry.

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She said instead of responding to allegations raised by BRSLP deputy leader T Harish Rao, the government resorted to diversionary tactics, including personal attacks on family members and invoking caste. She maintained that the BRS was only seeking answers on public issues, including alleged irregularities in mining and land matters.

Former Minister V Sunitha Laxma Reddy stated that BRS members were not even allowed access to microphones in the House. She questioned why the government was reluctant to order a House Committee probe into the mining allegations, while suggesting inquiries against Opposition leaders instead.

MLA Palla Rajeshwar Reddy said the Opposition had been consistently demanding a House Committee to investigate alleged illegal mining, including activities involving private firms linked to the Chief Minister and Ministers. He questioned the government’s decision to impose penalties instead of taking stricter action if violations had indeed occurred. He reiterated the demand for constituting a House Committee on illegal mining and dismissing Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy from the post.