Special screenings, movie ticket price hike: BRS to move privilege motion against Congress Govt

Former Minister and senior BRS MLA T Harish Rao announced it, charging the Congress government with violation of the sanctity of the House by retracting its statements within weeks.

Hyderabad: The BRS is all set to move a privilege motion against Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and his government for misleading the Assembly on allowing special screenings and hiking movie ticket prices. Former Minister and senior BRS MLA T Harish Rao announced it, charging the Congress government with violation of the sanctity of the House by retracting its statements within weeks.

Following the recent death of a woman and hospitalisation of her son during a stampede at Sandhya theatre in Hyderabad during the screening of “Pushpa 2” movie, the Chief Minister informed the Assembly that his government will not allow benefit shows, special screenings or hike in ticket prices for new movie releases. Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy also made similar statement in the House. However, the State government recently allowed the producers of “Game Changer” movie to enhance the ticket prices and also screen special shows.

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Responding to the government’s decision, senior MLA Harish Rao slammed Revanth Reddy for misleading the Assembly. “The Chief Minister, who declared that there would be no special privileges for films and cited the tragic death of a woman as a reason, has now done a complete U-turn,” he said.

He also targeted Minister Komatireddy Venkatareddy, who had assured the Assembly that ticket rates would not be increased. “Both leaders have made a mockery of their own words by permitting ticket hikes and extra shows. What value does an Assembly announcement hold when it is disregarded within days?” he asked.

Harish Rao held the Chief Minister, his Ministers and the Congress government responsible for allowing benefit shows and ticket price hikes, which led to tragic death of Revathi and left her son battling for life till date. He questioned the motive behind the abrupt policy reversal. “What is the secret behind this decision? Who stands to gain from it?” he asked.