Telangana CM seeks apology, action against BRS MLC over remarks on Speaker

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday demanded that Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) president K. Chandrasekhar Rao issue an unconditional apology over remarks made by a party MLC against Legislative Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar and his family.

Speaking during the monsoon session's opening day, Reddy asserted that the Speaker holds a constitutional office deserving respect equal to any member of the House. "Whether one is the Chief Minister or a legislator, everyone is equal before the Speaker," he said, adding that the BRS's conduct had undermined the dignity of the office.

The Chief Minister framed the issue as an attack on the institution rather than on Prasad Kumar personally. He described the alleged abusive language and insults directed at the Speaker's family as "unforgivable," stating that the incident forced civil society to hang its head in shame. He called it "a dark day for Telangana" and an insult to the Assembly and the state's four crore people.

Reddy also accused the BRS of harbouring an "anti-Dalit mindset," citing past promises to appoint a Dalit Chief Minister, provide three acres to Dalit families, and implement the Dalit Bandhu scheme. He alleged that a Dalit Deputy Chief Minister was later removed and that the party encouraged defections to unseat Dalit leader Bhatti Vikramarka as Leader of the Opposition in 2019. He further referenced an incident in Nerella where Dalits protesting against sand lorries were allegedly run over.

Warning that the government's restraint should not be mistaken for weakness, Reddy said, "If anyone thinks that institutions can be intimidated and brought under control through threats, we will not remain silent."

As Leader of the House, he demanded that Chandrasekhar Rao apologise unconditionally, that the MLC in question resign, and that the legislator's membership be terminated. He added that decisions on the matter should follow a thorough debate in the House.