*Ruling Cong and opposition fight over CM's remarks on defections

 *CM speaks on Gachibowli Land row for the first time

metro india news  I hyderabad

The Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s statements on party defections sparked chaos in the Assembly on Wednesday, as opposition parties BRS and AIMIM strongly objected to his remarks. The opposition took offense at the CM's mention of the issue, arguing that it is currently under judicial review.

Revanth Reddy, addressing the House, stated, "BRS leaders are unnecessarily creating panic by spreading speculation about by-elections. From 2014 to 2024, a certain political tradition was followed, and we are adhering to the same. 

The turncoats took oath as ministers then and no by-elections were held at that time. How will by-elections be held now? Questioned Revanth, adding that unlike the previous government they are not offering ministerial positions to defected MLAs. 

"We are following the traditions that were practiced in the past.  No member should worry and no by-elections will be held in the state. Our focus is not on elections. Our focus remains on the development of the state" CM stressed concluding his reply. BRS senior leader Harish Rao stood up urging the speaker to give him a chance to speak on this issue, but his request was not conceded. After delivering his reply, Revanth left the house.

Later BRS senior leader Harish Rao expressed his outrage, questioning, "How can the CM discuss an issue on matter that is sub-judice?" He raised a point of order, quoting the "Practice and Procedure of Parliament" book by MN Kaul and SL Shakdher, stating that Revanth Reddy belittled the judiciary with his statement that Assembly is immune to discuss on matters that are sub-judice. The opposition members BRS and AIMIM then staged a protest in front of the Speaker’s podium.

In response, Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy criticized the opposition’s reaction, stating that discussions on judicial matters happen in Parliament as well. 

Crackdown on online betting and digital gaming

Revanth Reddy announced that the government will take strict measures against online rummy, betting, and digital gaming platforms, which have been fuelling gambling addiction. He emphasized that merely probing through state agencies is insufficient and called for cooperation from neighbouring states and international authorities. A Special Investigative Team (SIT) will be constituted to clamp down on these activities, and the government is prepared to amend laws to impose stringent penalties on those promoting or operating betting apps.

"Telangana will not be a hub for betting addictions," he asserted.

The Chief Minister dismissed opposition claims of deteriorating law and order in Telangana, labeling them as politically motivated. He highlighted the state's proactive policing, citing past incidents under the previous regime where justice was delayed, including the daylight murder of a lawyer couple and the heinous rape of a veterinary doctor near Shamshabad. Telangana ranked fourth in the country in rape cases in 2020, yet no substantial measures were taken back then, CM rued.

He accused the opposition of attempting to tarnish Telangana’s image to dissuade investors and destabilize the state's economy. "Telangana society will not tolerate such conspiracies," he warned.

The Chief Minister criticized the opposition’s impatience and extreme rhetoric, urging them to adopt a more responsible approach. "The opposition parties are making unnecessary noise. They should remember that such discussions take place even in Parliament," he said. Meanwhile, Legislative Affairs Minister Sridhar Babu defended the CM’s remarks, clarifying that Revanth Reddy was only responding to statements made by BRS leaders outside the House. 

"There is nothing wrong in what the CM said. Revanth Reddy brought to the notice of the House that BRS leaders were making statements daily that by-elections are due and will be held soon," Sridhar Babu asserted. Following the government’s clarifications, the opposition leaders withdrew their protest, but the Assembly remained tense throughout the proceedings.

On Gachibowli Land

The Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy for the first time spoke on the Gachibowli Land Auction row that hogged headlines in the state with opposition parties and some sections strongly opposing the move. The Chief Minister said that the Gachibowli land parcel that does not belong to University of Hyderabad. He clarified that the land in question was allotted to Billy Rao of IMG Academies Bharat 25 years ago in violating rules. 

He criticized the previous BRS administration for failing to reclaim the land during its 10-year tenure. Upon assuming office, Revanth said he engaged top legal advocates, leading to a favorable Supreme Court verdict, enabling the government to recover the land, CM said, in his reply to discussion on Demands for Grants pertaining to Home Department in the Assembly on Wednesday.

Rejecting allegations of environmental concerns, he stated that the land is not forest land and has no significant wildlife. The government plans to sell it via an open auction, inviting global investors to participate in Telangana’s growth. However, the opposition is deliberately obstructing this process and misleading the public.

Revanth Reddy challenged the opposition’s stance on Land Acquisition and Development projects, particularly the Regional Ring Road and radial roads, Future City, Musi Rejuvenation project etc. He directly questioned Harish Rao on whether such projects should proceed or be blocked. He pointed out that previous governments encouraged legal obstacles against key irrigation projects like Mallanna Sagar and Palamuru Rangareddy, only to later welcome the same leaders into their party.

Reiterating the government's focus on infrastructure expansion, he appealed to the opposition to stop hindering land acquisition and instead contribute constructive suggestions on fair compensation, which is being disbursed from the state exchequer.