Hyderabad: BRS MLA and former minister Vemula Prashanth Reddy on Saturday accused the Congress government of undermining democratic practices in the Telangana Legislature. He alleged that the government deliberately prevented the principal opposition from raising public issues.
Addressing a press conference at Telangana Bhavan, Prashanth Reddy accused the government of conducting the Assembly proceedings in a unilateral manner. He compared the sessions to “Dushasana Parvam” and alleged a conspiracy to silence the BRS in the House.
He criticised Legislative Affairs Minister Sridhar Babu for claiming that the sessions were conducted democratically despite the absence of the principal opposition. Prashanth Reddy argued that one-sided proceedings could not be described as democratic.
He said the proceedings lasted nearly 52 hours but alleged that no decision benefiting the public was taken. He accused the ruling party of spending time praising itself, criticising others and verbally attacking the opposition.
Prashanth Reddy also questioned the manner in which the 463-page CURE Bill was passed. He said the Legislative Council cleared it within half an hour, while the Assembly passed it within an hour.
He alleged that the time provided did not allow an in-depth study or comprehensive discussion of the Bill.
Assembly proceedings draw criticism over BRS protest
Prashanth Reddy defended the BRS legislators’ decision to wear black T-shirts carrying the message “Failure to Implement Promises.” He said the protest sought to highlight what the party described as the government’s failure to fulfil 420 election pledges.
He said the T-shirts carried no photographs or objectionable remarks. He also maintained that there was no specific dress code for members of the Assembly.
Prashanth Reddy questioned the objection to T-shirts highlighting the alleged failure to implement promises. He referred to Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi wearing black T-shirts carrying slogans, text and photographs in Parliament.
He argued that legislative bodies and Parliament follow democratic traditions that allow opposition parties to register protests. He questioned what democratic tradition permitted the suppression of such protests.
Prashanth Reddy further alleged that legislators were stopped with barricades on the Public Gardens main road before they could enter the Assembly premises. He described the action as part of a premeditated attempt by the government to prevent the opposition protest.