MLA shouts ‘thief” in Telangana Assembly; ruckus follows

During a short discussion on the "Outstanding Liabilities of the State," Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka was speaking when a member from the treasury benches shouted "thief" as Harish Rao was about to begin his remarks. Harish Rao responded by calling the member a "useless fellow." In response, members from the treasury benches demanded that Harish Rao withdraw his comment. However, Harish Rao stood his ground, stating that if the member's remark was expunged, he would also withdraw his comment.

Hyderabad: Ruckus prevailed for a while in the Assembly on Thursday afternoon after a member from the treasury benches shouted ‘thief’, with BRS MLA T Harish Rao retorting with the question “Who is that useless fellow?”

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka was speaking during a short discussion on ‘Outstanding liabilities of the State’, when Harish Rao was about start his comment, a member from the treasury benches shouted ‘thief’. Taking objection to Harish Rao’s response of ‘useless fellow’, members from the treasury benches demanded that the former Minister withdraw his comment. Standing firm, Harish Rao said if the member’s comment was expunged, he too would withdraw his comment.

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Legislative Affairs Minister D Sridhar Babu intervened, stating any unparliamentary comment or language by any member in the House should be expunged. Trying to sweep the controversy around treasury member’s comment under the carpet, the Legislative Minister said the comment made by the treasury member was not heard by anyone in the House but the former Minister’s comment was clearly heard.

Joining the Minister, Munugode MLA Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy said the former Minister’s comment was objectionable and demanded that he tender an unconditional apology.

Reacting to him, Harish Rao said: “Rajgopal Reddy, you are not a Minister and will not be given the microphone. I wish you become the Home Minister soon.”