KTR Raises Concerns Over Protocol Violations Against BRS MLAs

BRS working president K T Rama Rao today wrote a letter to Speaker Gaddam Prasad highlighting "violations of protocol and the systematic undermining of the rights of BRS MLAs" since the Congress government took power.

In his letter, KTR expressed deep concern over what he described as a troubling culture where the rights of the Opposition BRS MLAs were being deliberately trampled.

He accused the Congress government of habitual protocol violations and unconstitutional behaviour, which he asserted was detrimental to democratic principles.

KTR contrasted this with the almost decade-long tenure of the BRS, during which he claimed that such undemocratic practices had never been engaged in, and that the MLAs elected by the people were always respected. However, since the Congress took office, BRS MLAs were over the past seven months deliberately targeted with repeated violations of protocol, he said.

He pointed out to specific instances of protocol violations, including the distribution of cheques for welfare schemes such as Kalyani Lakshmi by Congress leaders instead of the local MLAs, and development works, including foundation laying and inauguration ceremonies, being conducted without the presence of the local elected MLAs.

He cited the Huzurabad, Maheshwaram and Asifabad constituencies as examples where local Congress leaders or defeated candidates were acting as if they were the elected representatives.

KTR also claimed that government leaders had coerced officials into following these undemocratic practices.

Despite efforts by BRS MLAs to bring these issues to the Speaker's attention, access was limited, KTR said, and urged the Speaker to use his authority to protect the rights and protocol rights of legislative members, regardless of party affiliations.

He called for immediate orders to be issued to the Chief Secretary and all district Collectors to ensure that the protocol for BRS MLAs was respected and maintained. He warned that if these issues were not addressed promptly, they would be raised during the upcoming Assembly sessions.