Hyderabad: A heated exchange erupted in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday as Chief Minister Revanth Reddy launched a scathing attack on former Chief Minister and BRS president K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) for his absence during the ongoing budget session. The session, which focused on the discrimination faced by Telangana in the Union budget presented in Parliament, saw fiery debates and a war of words between Revanth Reddy and BRS working president KT Rama Rao (KTR).
CM Revanth Reddy’s Accusations
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy did not mince words as he criticized KCR for his conspicuous absence. He questioned the commitment of KCR, who prides himself on his extensive political experience, in addressing the critical issues concerning the state. Reddy remarked, “KCR, who claims to be well-experienced, has failed to attend the session at a time when we are discussing the crucial issue of protecting Telangana’s interests. Is he scared that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would see him attending the session?”
Reddy’s comments were aimed at highlighting what he perceives as KCR’s lack of engagement and responsibility towards the state’s pressing issues, particularly in the face of alleged discrimination by the Central government.
KTR’s Fiery Response
Reacting sharply to the accusations, KTR defended KCR and the BRS party’s position. He asserted that the BRS MLAs were more than capable of addressing the concerns raised by the ruling party members. KTR’s response was both a defense of his father’s leadership and a critique of the ruling party’s handling of legislative procedures.
KTR stated, “The BRS MLAs are sufficient to reply to the ruling party members. The State government must inform the Opposition well in advance about the subjects to be discussed in the House. It is essential to run the House as per norms and ensure productive discussions.”
The Context of the Dispute
The ongoing budget session has been marked by intense debates over the Union budget’s impact on Telangana. The ruling party has accused the Central government of meting out discriminatory treatment to the state, which has become a focal point of the discussions. Revanth Reddy’s criticism of KCR’s absence adds another layer to the already charged atmosphere in the Assembly.
KCR, who has been a significant political figure in Telangana, faces scrutiny not just from the Opposition but also from within his party. His absence during such a crucial discussion has provided ammunition for his critics, while his supporters, led by KTR, rally to defend his decisions and leadership.
Implications for Telangana Politics
The exchange between Revanth Reddy and KTR underscores the deep political divisions within the Telangana Assembly. It also reflects the high stakes involved as the state navigates its relationship with the Central government and addresses its developmental challenges.
The war of words is likely to continue as both sides remain entrenched in their positions. For Revanth Reddy, it is an opportunity to highlight perceived lapses in leadership by KCR. For KTR, it is a chance to reaffirm the BRS’s stance and showcase the party’s unity and resolve in the face of criticism.
As the budget session progresses, the dynamics within the Assembly will be closely watched, with the potential for further confrontations and debates. The outcome of these discussions will play a crucial role in shaping Telangana’s political landscape and its interactions with the Central government.