HYDERABAD: Former minister and Siddipet MLA Harish Rao stated that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy spoke in the Assembly as if he doubted whether the defected MLAs would return, which is why by-elections might not be held. Rao made these comments during a media interaction after BRS members walked out of the Assembly.
Harish Rao criticised CM Revanth Reddy for commenting on the issue of MLA defections, which is still pending in the Supreme Court, stating it was against parliamentary norms. He mentioned that the Chief Minister’s remarks in the Assembly violate the procedures outlined in the Kaul and Shakdher Parliamentary Procedure book, which clearly states that matters pending in court should not be discussed in legislatures. According to Rao, the Chief Minister exceeded his jurisdiction by making judgments in the Assembly on a matter under Supreme Court review, stating that defected MLAs would not be disqualified and by-elections would not happen. He said this amounted to a breach of Assembly privilege.
Rao further said that when he tried to offer suggestions under the Point of Order, his microphone was cut off. He alleged that although the Chief Minister invited suggestions, the mic was not given when he requested it. He accused the government of suppressing the opposition’s voice and giving opportunities only to members with fewer numbers.
Commenting on law and order, Rao alleged that during the 15 months of Congress rule, the government failed to control betting apps and maintain public safety. He cited official police data stating a 23% increase in crime compared to the previous year. Rao said that one rape occurs every three hours and one murder every six hours in the state, with 9 communal riots reported in this period. He criticised the Chief Minister for failing in both CM and Home Minister roles.
Rao also mentioned that 50% of CCTV cameras in Hyderabad are non-functional and blamed the government for failing to maintain them. He claimed that despite BRS purchasing modern vehicles for the police, the Congress government was unable to even provide fuel. He accused CM Revanth Reddy of being the first to have police families arrested by the police themselves.
Regarding infrastructure spending, Rao questioned the rationale for spending ₹5,000 crore on a 10-lane road in Amanagal, which already has a ring road and regional ring road, claiming it was for land near the CM’s in-laws’ village. He criticised the government for claiming a lack of funds for employees and pensioners while allocating ₹5,000 crore for such projects.
On development funds, he urged the government to provide ACDP funds to opposition MLAs, as was done during KCR’s tenure when demands were raised by leaders like Jana Reddy. He criticised Revanth Reddy for stating earlier that the state suffered a ₹70,000 crore deficit, but now calling the budget 95% realistic.
Finally, Rao said the Congress, which earlier opposed land sales while in opposition, was now defending them in the Assembly. He pointed out that the BRS had protected 400 acres in Gachibowli, while the Congress was selling land post a court order. He concluded by noting that in a Grok poll, people voted KCR as the best Chief Minister.
