Chaos in Telangana Assembly over auto drivers’ issues, overseas scholarships

The BRS members were protesting near the well over the inordinate delay in clearing the overseas scholarships even as Panchayat Raj Minister D Anasuya alias Seethakka blamed the previous BRS government for the arrears

Hyderabad: Chaotic scenes unfolded in the Telangana Assembly on the fourth day of the winter session as Speaker Gaddam Prasad warned BRS MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy and others of suspension for disrupting proceedings.

The BRS members were protesting near the well over the inordinate delay in clearing the overseas scholarships even as Panchayat Raj Minister D Anasuya alias Seethakka blamed the previous BRS government for the arrears.

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The session began with heated exchanges between ruling and opposition members over pending installments and delayed overseas scholarships as well as alleged corruption in release of funds.

During the Question Hour, BRS MLA KP Vivekananda accused the government of demanding commissions for granting scholarships, prompting Legislative Affairs Minister D Sridhar Babu to intervene. Terming the allegations baseless, Sridhar Babu requested the Speaker to expunge the remarks, sparking further arguments.

As the uproar continued, BRS MLAs pressed for a debate on the issues faced by auto-rickshaw drivers. After the Speaker rejected their plea, they started raising slogans, rushing into the well and refusing to return to their seats. They also objected to Seethakka’s remarks against the previous BRS government and sought an opportunity to explain.

Speaker Prasad expressed displeasure, urging the members to maintain decorum and warning Kaushik Reddy and others of suspension if they failed to comply. Sridhar Babu criticised the BRS MLAs for their behaviour, accusing them of resorting to disruptive tactics after their electoral defeat last year.

Even as the protests continued, Seethakka informed that against 8,723 students who studied abroad under Overseas Scholarships, around Rs 1,396.26 crore were released till date.

She claimed that the Congress goverment cleared Rs 140.74 crore dues inherited from the previous BRS regime and another Rs 104.42 crore were pending which will be cleared by March end.

When asked to give specific response, she said 3,488 applications were received for overseas scholarships and 1,310 eligible students would be selected by this month end.