Mining row rocks Telangana Assembly; BRS protests, demands House Committee probe

Tensions flared in the Telangana Assembly on Saturday as BRS accused Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy’s family-linked firm of mining irregularities. The uproar disrupted proceedings, leading to budget approvals without discussion and the expunging of contentious remarks from Assembly records

Hyderabad: Heated confrontation broke out between the ruling Congress and the opposition BRS in the Assembly on Saturday, over alleged mining irregularities linked to a private firm belonging to Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy‘s family. The uproar led to disruptions, protests in the well of the House, and the eventual passage of budget demands without discussion.

BRS Legislature Party deputy leader T Harish Rao led the attack, accusing the government of shielding Raghava Constructions and Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy. Demanding accountability, he called for either a probe by a sitting judge or constitution of a House Committee headed by opposition members.

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Raising the issue during the debate on Mining Department, Harish Rao alleged large-scale illegal operations, including running stone crushers without mandatory permissions and violating environmental norms. He questioned the government’s inaction despite official notices and inspections, and accused it of adopting double standards in dealing with opposition leaders and ruling party affiliates.

His remarks triggered strong objections from treasury benches, with at least eight Ministers repeatedly interrupting his speech and demanding withdrawal of statements naming Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy. While the BRS demanded a House Committee, the ruling side rejected the demand, with Mining Minister G Vivek Venkataswamy assuring that the government would conduct an inquiry if any wrongdoing was found.

Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka criticised the opposition’s conduct, calling the disruption unprecedented and urging members to allow proceedings to continue. Ministers D Sridhar Babu and others accused Harish Rao of making baseless and politically motivated allegations, insisting that he had no authority to name a Minister without proof.

As tensions escalated, BRS members rushed into the well, raising slogans and insisting on a House Committee probe. Panel Speaker Balu Naik later ordered that the contentious remarks be expunged from the Assembly records.

Amid the din, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy mounted a counter-offensive, stating that action had already been taken against Raghava Constructions in accordance with the law, including recovery of taxes and penalties. He accused BRS leaders of attempting to blackmail the Minister after their alleged lobbying efforts for personal favours were rebuffed.

While ignoring the BRS demand for House Committee on alleged irregularities of Raghava Constructions, the Chief Minister announced a CBCID probe into alleged irregularities in mining leases during the previous BRS regime since the formation of Telangana. He also indicated that the government would seek an Enforcement Directorate investigation into past violations, naming several entities allegedly linked to BRS leaders and their relatives.

Amid competing allegations, BJP, AIMIM, and CPI floor leaders urged the government to restore order and allow all members to participate in the debate.

With both the BRS and the Congress refusing to relent, the government pushed for passing the budget demands for multiple departments including Energy, IT, Mining and others, without further discussion. The House was adjourned to meet on Sunday.