BRS Walks Out Citing CM's Abusive Language

BRS MLAs today walked out of the Assembly in protest against "disrespectful and abusive" remarks made by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy against Opposition members during Question Hour.

The Legislative Assembly began with Question Hour, during which Congress MLAs, including Balu Naik, Shankaraiah and Malreddy Rangareddy, raised questions on the Musi Rejuvenation Project. MLAs from other parties, including former minister T Harish Rao, AIMIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi and BJP MLA Payal Shankar, also sought clarifications through supplementary questions.

As Legislative Affairs Minister Sridhar Babu began responding to the issues raised, the Chief Minister intervened and said that he had personally reviewed the project and would address the members' concerns, and added that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) was still under preparation.

"Once the DPR is finalised, it will be presented to all MLAs, especially those from the Greater Hyderabad region, at the Chief Minister's Office," Reddy said. He added that the first phase of work - covering 21 km from Osmansagar to Bapu Ghat and from Himayatsagar to Bapu Ghat, along with the diversion of Godavari water - would cost Rs 7,000 crore, and that the work was expected to begin within three months and be completed in two years.

He also asked the Speaker to seek suggestions from all MLAs regarding the rehabilitation of people displaced from the Musi riverbanks.

Defending the project, the Chief Minister spoke about rapid urbanisation, and said that nearly 55% of Telangana's population resided within the Outer Ring Road (ORR). He criticised Opposition members for attempting to link the project to real estate interests, and made opprobrious remarks that triggered immediate protests. He said that some Opposition leaders had venom in their stomachs which was more dangerous than pollution, and suggested they be sent to Vikarabad for treatment.

BRS MLAs immediately rose in protest. Harish Rao urged the Speaker to protect the rights of members and sought permission to speak. While the Speaker allowed AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi to address the House, he denied the BRS members an opportunity to speak, leading to further objections.

Later, Sridhar Babu defended the Chief Minister, and said that he had not targeted any individual or party. Rao strongly objected, and said that the Leader of the House needed to act responsibly and refrain from making derogatory remarks.

The Speaker intervened and disallowed further criticism of the Chief Minister, triggering a heated exchange. As protests continued and the Speaker proceeded to the next question, BRS MLAs staged a walkout from the Assembly.