Two BRS MLCs held over alleged casteist remarks against Telangana Speaker

Hyderabad police on Tuesday arrested two BRS MLCs, Tata Madhu and Naveen Kumar Reddy, in connection with alleged derogatory remarks directed at Telangana Legislative Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar. The remarks were reportedly made during the chaotic scenes that marked Monday's Assembly proceedings.

The two legislators have been booked under the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act following complaints. The Speaker belongs to the Scheduled Caste community.

Mr. Madhu was taken into custody from the MLA quarters, while Mr. Naveen Kumar Reddy was arrested at his residence in Kokapet. Both were later moved to the Saifabad police station for questioning.

The arrests follow a day of intense protests in the Assembly over the conduct of BRS MLAs. The alleged remarks were made during a scuffle with police when BRS members, wearing black T-shirts with slogans critical of the government, were prevented from entering the House.

The ruling Congress, along with the BJP and MIM, strongly condemned the remarks and demanded action. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and other Congress leaders asserted that personal and derogatory attacks on the Speaker's constitutional authority would not be tolerated.

The incident has triggered a fresh political confrontation between the Congress and BRS. While the Opposition claims the government is targeting its leaders, the ruling party maintains that the law will take its own course.

Police are currently examining statements and other material related to the alleged remarks as part of the ongoing investigation.