Sripada Rao Central Hall- TG democracy’s new chapter

A hall for dialogue

Democracy is not sustained only by debates inside the Assembly chamber. It is also strengthened by conversations outside it, by the ability of political opponents to sit together, listen to one another and find common ground despite differences. In this context, the inauguration of the Duddilla Sripada Rao Central Hall at the Telangana Legislative Assembly complex in Hyderabad is more than opening a facility. It is an opportunity to strengthen dialogue in the State’s democratic institutions. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy inaugurated the Central Hall on September 7, 2026, in the presence of Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar, Council Chairman Gutta Sukhender Reddy, Dy CM Bhatti Vikramarka, Legislative Affairs Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu and other public representatives.

Its purpose is to provide legislators from different parties and both Houses a common space for interaction. The inspiration comes from India’s Parliament. As an MP in New Delhi, CM Revanth Reddy observed how the Central Hall brought leaders across political lines together. Away from formal proceedings, Members could meet, exchange views and interact as colleagues. Bringing that experience to Telangana is a meaningful initiative. As a Delhi reporter with a leading Telugu daily, I too had the opportunity to see Parliament’s Central Hall and understand its significance.

Access was not open to every visitor. It was traditionally meant for serving MPs, former MPs and among journalists, senior parliamentary correspondents with long parliamentary experience. That experience explains why the Central Hall occupies a special place in parliamentary culture. Parliamentary democracy necessarily involves disagreement. The government must govern, while the Opposition must question, scrutinize and hold it accountable. But disagreement should always leave room for dialogue. Politics can be fiercely competitive, but competition need not become personal hostility.

Naming the hall after late Duddilla Sripada Rao, a strong leader from erstwhile Karimnagar district and former Speaker of erstwhile combined Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, adds an important institutional dimension. Representing Manthani, he served as Speaker from 1991 to 1995 and was associated with legislative procedure and the dignity of the office. Naming a Central Hall after a former Speaker is particularly appropriate. The Speaker’s office carries the responsibility of maintaining the dignity and orderly functioning of the House and giving different voices their due place. In that sense, the name Duddilla Sripada Rao Central Hall is not simply a tribute to an individual. It is a reminder of the values associated with legislative institutions, procedure, dignity, debate and respect for different viewpoints.

The occasion also has generational significance as Duddilla Sridhar Babu, Sripada Rao’s son, serves as the Minister for Legislative Affairs. For CM Revanth Reddy, the Central Hall reflects his parliamentary experience. For Sridhar Babu, it carries both official responsibility and a personal connection. For Sripada Rao’s legacy, it can keep alive legislative dignity and democratic conduct. Governments change. Political parties change. Leaders come and go. What must remain is the institution.

Revanth Reddy’s initiative will succeed if the hall becomes a place where political differences coexist with institutional respect. If Telangana’s Central Hall can encourage dialogue, mutual respect and a shared commitment to democratic values, it will have made a meaningful contribution to the State’s legislative culture. That would be a fitting tribute to Duddilla Sripada Rao, a meaningful responsibility for Duddilla Sridhar Babu, and a lasting contribution to Telangana’s democratic and legislative culture.

— Sagar Vanaparthi

PR Team Member, 

Telangana CM.