Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) members protest in the Telangana Assembly, demanding an apology from Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.
The Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS), the main opposition party in Telangana, continued its protest on Thursday in the Assembly against remarks made by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy regarding two of its women legislators.
As the Assembly convened, BRS members donned black badges and called for the Chief Minister to issue an unconditional apology. The Speaker allowed Industries and Legislative Affairs Minister D. Sridhar Babu to introduce the Young India Skills University (Public Private Partnership) Bill 2024, despite the growing uproar from BRS lawmakers demanding accountability from Mr. Reddy.
Opposition members chant ‘Chief Minister down down’
The situation intensified as BRS members gathered in the Well of the House, with some even approaching the Speaker’s Podium. Despite the Speaker’s requests for order, the din continued as BRS members persevered in their protest, chanting slogans such as ‘Chief Minister down down.’ Over a dozen opposition legislators occupied the Well, underscoring the depth of their dissent.
BRS leaders engaged in a demonstration in the Telangana Assembly on August 1, 2024, demanding an apology from Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for his remarks against BRS women MLAs.
Amid the turmoil, the Industries Minister continued his address, while members from the BJP, MIM, and CPI expressed their support for the Skill University Bill. Despite persistent appeals from the Chair for the protesting members to resume their seats, the disruptions continued. After over two hours of protests, the BRS members, excluding their three women legislators, walked out of the House.
The Chief Minister intervened in the debate, urging opposition members to focus on constructive discussions. He questioned their motives, suggesting they were exploiting the situation for political gain rather than addressing the issues at hand.
Mr. Reddy recalled past grievances without naming specific individuals, pointing out his challenges while campaigning for a Congress candidate, emphasizing his ongoing efforts to resolve related legal issues. He critiqued the BRS women MLAs for not addressing their concerns regarding party leaders involved in legal troubles.
BRS leaders who protested in the Telangana Assembly on August 1, 2024, were escorted away by assembly marshals.
In closing, he cautioned women legislators against aligning with BRS leaders, addressing issues of loyalty and responsibility within the party, and highlighted the need for unity and integrity among political representatives.
