‘Ippa Sara’ remark sparks uproar in Assembly, House stalled amid Congress-BJP clash

A remark on Ippa Sara by a BJP MLA sparked a heated clash between Congress and BJP in the Telangana Assembly, leading to protests, repeated interventions by the Chair and disruption of proceedings, delaying discussions on key public issues.

Hyderabad: The Telangana Assembly witnessed noisy scenes on Wednesday after a discussion on Ippa Sara (Mahua liquor) snowballed into a political slugfest between the Congress and the BJP, forcing repeated interventions from the Chair and disrupting proceedings.

The debate began during a discussion on the budget demands when BJP MLA Paidi Rakesh Reddy alleged that adulterated toddy mixed with drugs such as alprazolam was being sold in north Telangana, damaging public health. He suggested that the government promote Mahua-based liquor as an organic product that could generate revenue and support tribal livelihoods.

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The controversy erupted when he remarked that if the government created a brand for Ippa Sara, it should not be named after “Indiramma”, triggering sharp protests from the Treasury benches.

Minister Ponnam Prabhakar objected strongly to the reference to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, demanding that the remark be expunged and insisting on an apology. Legislative Affairs Minister D Sridhar Babu said the BJP member had made defamatory comments and must withdraw them, while other ministers joined the protest.

Congress MLAs rose to their feet, shouting slogans, while BJP members countered that the statement had been misinterpreted. BJP floor leader Yeleti Maheshwar Reddy defended his colleague, stating that no unparliamentary words had been used.

Rakesh Reddy later clarified that he held Indira Gandhi in high regard and had only meant that her name should not be linked to a liquor brand.

With both sides refusing to relent and continuing heated exchanges, Panel Speaker Balu Naik was prompted to repeatedly call for order and ask the BJP MLA to withdraw his remarks. However, the standoff continued, bringing proceedings to a halt.

BRSLP deputy leader T Harish Rao criticised both the Congress and the BJP for wasting the House’s time, with the confrontation stalling discussion on public issues. He stated that the House was stalled for over one hour, depriving the opposition of its chance to speak.

The uproar continued for several minutes before the Chair struggled to resume proceedings. Panel Speaker Balu Naik gave a ruling that henceforth, members should refrain from making derogatory or defamatory remarks against respected individuals, especially leaders of national importance like Indira Gandhi.