Sister Sentiment Stirs Telangana Assembly
During a heated discussion on the appropriation bill, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy made a controversial statement about KTR and his supporters. Reddy advised KTR to be wary of the “Akkas” (sisters) behind him, using a local phrase to suggest that trusting them would lead to misery.
This comment sparked outrage among BRS members. They stormed the Well of the House, demanding an apology from the Chief Minister, causing the Speaker to adjourn the session due to the chaos.
Revanth Reddy’s remarks were seen as an indirect reference to BRS women MLAs who had previously held significant positions in Congress before switching to BRS. Specifically, he was referring to former Home Minister Sabitha Indra Reddy and Sunita Laxma Reddy.
BRS members were vocal in their protest, insisting that the Chief Minister retract his comments. Legislative Affairs Minister D Sridhar Babu defended the CM, stating he had not named anyone specific and questioned the loyalty of former Congress members now in BRS.
Sabitha Indra Reddy expressed her disappointment, recalling how she had once supported Revanth Reddy. She questioned why he was now targeting her and accused him of holding a grudge.
In response, Revanth Reddy acknowledged the past support from Sabitha but criticized her decision to join BRS. He suggested that such actions were why he warned KTR not to trust the “Akkas.”
Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka highlighted the Congress party’s past support for Sabitha, lamenting her departure. He argued that her leaving was a blow to the party’s leadership and questioned her loyalty.
Panchayati Raj Minister Seethakka also weighed in, criticizing the women for causing embarrassment to the Chief Minister and referencing past instances where BRS poached Congress MLAs.
After the session, Sabitha Indra Reddy emotionally addressed reporters, claiming she was ousted from Congress and criticizing the Chief Minister’s remarks. She defended her decision to switch parties and condemned the current Congress leadership.
KTR condemned Revanth Reddy’s comments, calling them an insult to all women in Telangana. He demanded an apology from the Chief Minister and announced plans for protests, including burning effigies of Revanth Reddy.
Revanth Reddy, however, stood firm, stating he did not name anyone specific and urging BRS not to disrupt Assembly proceedings. He emphasized that Congress opposes suspending any members.