TRS MLA Slaps Congress MLA In Mahabubnagar

The Mahabubnagar district Zilla Parishad meeting witnessed unprecedented scenes today when the MLA from Achampet, Guvvala Balaraju of the TRS, slapped the Makthal MLA, Ch Rammohan Reddy of the Congress, after heated arguments on Friday afternoon.

The scene took place in the presence of two ministers Jupally Krishna Rao and Laxma Reddy, other MLAs from the district and senior officials.

The problem started when the TDP MLA from Narayanapet Rajender Reddy tried to speak at the meeting. At this juncture, Jupally Krishna Rao alleged that the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had addressed a letter to the Centre opposing the Palamuru Lift Irrigation Scheme, and the TRS ZPTC and MPTC members demanded that the TDP MLA first ensure that the letter was withdrawn by Naidu.

In the meantime, the Congress MLAs led by Rammohan Reddy rushed to the podium and protested that they be given a chance to speak.

The TRS MLA Balaraju also rushed to the podium and entered into an argument with the Congress MLA and others. And amid heated arguments, Balaraju slapped Rammohan Reddy, leading to tense moments.

Later, Balaraju squatted in front of the ZP Chairperson's podium alleging that he was abused by the Congress MLA. He demanded that the police register a Prevention of SC/ST Atrocities case against Rammohan Reddy.

The Congress MLAs and other ZPTC and MPCC chiefs staged a walkout and blocked the vehicular traffic in front of the ZP meeting hall.

In Hyderabad, Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader K Jana Reddy condemned the incident, and alleged that the TRS MLA attacked the Congress MLA due to the arrogance of being in the ruling party.

He said that it was unbecoming of the TRS leaders to behave in such a highly objectionable manner, and demanded that the Chief Minister initiate action against Balaraju by examining the video records of the news channels.

TPCC Chief Uttam Kumar Reddy gave a call for a bandh in the Mahabubnagar district on September 5 to condemn the manhandling of the Congress MLA.

TPCC Working president Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, too, condemned the attack on Rammohan Reddy, and asked the concerned authorities to take action against all those responsible for the incident.