High drama, mining row and political war of words rock Telangana Assembly

The Telangana Legislative Assembly witnessed intense scenes on Sunday as protests by the Opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) over alleged illegal mining escalated into a full-blown political confrontation, leading to the suspension of its members for two days.

Soon after the House convened, BRS legislators stormed the well of the House, raising slogans and demanding a House Committee probe into allegations against Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy. Despite repeated appeals by Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar, the protests continued, prompting the Chair to order their suspension till the end of the current sittings.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy strongly criticised the Opposition, accusing it of deliberately disrupting proceedings. Following a motion moved by Legislative Affairs Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu, and backed by Government Whip Aadi Srinivas, the House adopted the suspension resolution. CPI member Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao also supported action against those causing disruptions.

In a parallel development, the conduct of BRS MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy was referred to the Ethics Committee following allegations by Congress members that he made objectionable remarks against rebel MLA Kadiyam Srihari. While some members demanded disqualification, the matter was sent for inquiry after the Chief Minister termed the behaviour unethical .

The Assembly proceedings were further marked by sharp political exchanges, with the Chief Minister launching a scathing attack on BRS chief K. Chandrasekhar Rao, alleging an “anti-Dalit stance” and accusing him of failing to fulfil key promises. He also claimed that Rao avoided attending the House and criticised the party’s past record on defections and conduct.

Amid the ruckus, the Chief Minister also levelled allegations against associates of T. Harish Rao over land-related irregularities and challenged the Opposition for a probe, stating the government was open to a House Committee if required.

Outside the Assembly, the controversy intensified as BRS leaders staged protests. Party working president K. T. Rama Rao alleged that a company linked to the Minister’s family was involved in illegal mining, causing significant losses to the State exchequer, and reiterated the demand for a probe into mining irregularities .

Responding to the allegations, the Chief Minister reiterated that a CB-CID investigation had already been ordered into mining leases and irregularities since 2014, asserting that the probe would expose violations and ensure accountability.

Despite the absence of the Opposition, the government proceeded with legislative business, including the introduction of the ‘Telangana Employees Accountability and Monitoring of Parental Support Bill, 2026’, aimed at ensuring social security for elderly parents .

Overall, the twin issues of alleged mining irregularities and political accusations transformed the Assembly into a virtual battleground , reflecting deepening tensions between the ruling Congress government and the Opposition BRS.