Telangana Assembly witnesses heated debate over Minister Komatireddy’s remarks

The confrontation began during Question Hour when Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy blamed the previous BRS regime for delays in key highway projects, including the Hyderabad-Karimnagar and Hyderabad-Bijapur roads

Hyderabad: Heated exchanges between Congress and BRS MLAs disrupted the State Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, forcing Speaker Gaddam Prasad to intervene and expunge contentious remarks from the record.

The confrontation began during Question Hour when Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy blamed the previous BRS regime for delays in key highway projects, including the Hyderabad-Karimnagar and Hyderabad-Bijapur roads. He also claimed the Sircilla-Kamareddy-Yellareddy highway was cancelled due to the BRS government’s failure to submit a detailed project report (DPR).

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Former Minister Vemula Prashanth Reddy countered Venkat Reddy’s claims, clarifying that DPRs could not be prepared as the Centre had not approved alignment proposals. Despite his explanation, Venkat Reddy continued his criticism and deviated from the topic, alleging delays in the Uppal-Ghatkesar flyover – a project under the Central government.

The situation escalated when Venkat Reddy accused Harish Rao of misappropriating funds under the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme, prompting Harish Rao to demand a ruling from the Speaker.

Harish Rao stated that he was ready for a discussion the issue and would expose the corrupt practices of Venkat Reddy. In an indirect reference to the Minister’s remarks, he also suggested conducting breathalyser tests on legislators as some members appear to have drunk and come to the House, further intensifying the argument.

Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy demanded an apology from Harish Rao for his comments, leading to further verbal clashes. Government Whip Beerla Ilaiah also triggered a furore among the opposition members, stating that Harish Rao might have referred to the opposition leader and former Chief Minister.

Urging the Speaker to bring the House under control, Legislative Affairs Minister D Sridhar Babu assured the House that unrelated remarks would be expunged, reaffirming the Assembly’s commitment to legislative decorum.

Speaker Gaddam Prasad intervened to restore order, directing that all objectionable remarks be removed from the records and reminding members to uphold the principles of the legislature.