Telangana Assembly adjourned amid BRS protests over Lagcherla farmers’ issue

The Telangana Legislative Assembly was adjourned until Tuesday (December 17, 2024) following disruptions by Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLAs, who staged protests demanding a discussion on the handcuffing of a farmer, Hirya Naik, an accused in the Lagcherla case, and on alleged police atrocities against farmers opposing land acquisition.

Post the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting on Monday (December 16, 2024) afternoon, the session soon descended into chaos. BRS legislators, including former minister T. Harish Rao, holding placards having the images and text referring to the handcuffing incident, have attempted to enter the well of the House, prompting Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar to intervene.

Responding to the slogan-shouting BRS MLAs, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao urged the Opposition members to allow the scheduled short discussion on the ‘Telangana State Tourism Policy’ during the afternoon session. However, the BRS leaders insisted on prioritising the Lagcherla farmer’s issue.

Explaining the significance of the new tourism policy, Mr. Krishna Rao said that the government aimed to provide employment opportunities for unemployed youth through the policy. He criticized the BRS for opposing the discussion, calling it an obstruction to progress.

The Speaker expressed dissatisfaction with the members’ conduct and emphasised the need to uphold the dignity of the House. Despite repeated requests to surrender the placards and return to their designated seats, the protesting BRS MLAs continued their agitation and attempted to approach the Speaker’s podium. In response, the Speaker instructed marshals to confiscate the placards and warned that members would be allowed to speak only if they complied.

The Opposition MLAs persisted with their protests and slogan-shouting, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the proceedings. After the adjournment, the protesting MLAs staged a sit-in at the Assembly entrance, continuing to display the placards.

Published - December 16, 2024 05:24 pm IST