BRS Leader Demands Extension of Telangana Assembly Session
In a significant political development, BRS deputy floor leader T Harish Rao has demanded that the Telangana state government extend the current assembly session by one week. The government had planned to conclude the sessions by March 31, but Rao argues this timeframe is insufficient for proper legislative discussion.
Criticism of Assembly Conduct
During an interaction with reporters in Hyderabad, Harish Rao expressed strong dissatisfaction with how the assembly sessions have been conducted. He highlighted that on Wednesday, two important questions were not discussed at all, reflecting what he called a pattern of disregard for parliamentary procedures.
The government has completely failed in conducting the assembly and blatantly disregarded rules, Rao asserted. He pointed to specific instances where the session was adjourned for three hours to distribute cheques to families of deceased electricity employees, which he argued disrupted legislative business.
Unfulfilled Promises and Evaded Questions
Rao criticized the Congress government for failing to implement their promised procedures. Despite saying they would take up zero hour every day, they haven't for the past two days, and discussion on public issues in the assembly has suffered, he noted.
The BRS leader revealed that the government has evaded answers to many questions, including one raised by KT Rama Rao regarding job notifications issued since Congress came to power. The government replied that 16 notifications were issued for 16,978 jobs.
During the BRS regime, appointment letters were given to 50,785 people, yet Congress claims they provided jobs. The government has deceived the unemployed, Harish Rao stated. If the six guarantees had been implemented, we would have appreciated Congress, he added, referring to the party's election promises.
Welfare Board Funding Discrepancies
Harish Rao raised serious concerns about the allocation and utilization of funds for various welfare boards and corporations:
- Of 33 corporations, only 16 have functional offices according to government replies
- For the Rajaka Federation, 386 crore rupees were allocated over two years, but only 1 crore was actually spent
- For Nayi Brahmins, 280 crore rupees were allocated with only 30 lakh rupees spent
- For Munnuru Kapus and Kishna Balija (Pusala), 100 crore rupees each were allotted with zero expenditure
- For Arya Vysyas, 25 crore rupees were allocated with no funds spent
The BRS leader said the same pattern extends to BC, ST and SC corporations, where not even 5% to 10% of allocated budgets have been utilized. This demonstrates a systematic failure in implementing welfare schemes for marginalized communities, he emphasized.
Call for Extended Deliberation
Harish Rao's demand for a week-long extension stems from his belief that crucial public issues require proper legislative attention. He argued that the current rushed schedule prevents thorough discussion of matters affecting citizens' lives and welfare.
The political confrontation highlights growing tensions between the ruling Congress party and opposition BRS in Telangana's legislative arena. As the session approaches its scheduled conclusion, pressure mounts on the government to address these concerns about parliamentary procedure and governance accountability.
