Bharat Rashtra Samithi MLA T Harish Rao has levelled sharp accusations against Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar, alleging multiple procedural violations that he says have undermined the legislature’s functioning over the past two years. In a detailed letter written on the Speaker’s two-year anniversary in office, Rao called the lapses “serious” and “damaging” to the Assembly’s constitutional mandate. The letter marks a significant escalation of tensions between the BRS and the ruling Congress administration.

Rao highlighted that the Assembly has drastically reduced its number of sitting days, which he said violates Rule 12 governing legislative business. According to him, this shrinkage in working days has weakened executive accountability and diluted the purpose of legislative debate. He added that the persistent neglect of Question Hour and Zero Hour further erodes the Assembly’s ability to function as an effective oversight body.

In the letter, Rao alleges that several critical rules governing questions have been disregarded, including Rules 38 to 52 and 53 to 62. He states that starred questions are left unanswered, supplementary questions are restricted, and mandatory written replies to unstarred questions—required under Rules 39 and 41—are routinely delayed. These failures, he argues, have created an environment where legislative scrutiny cannot operate effectively.

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One of the most serious issues raised by Rao is the non-constitution of several House committees for nearly two years, in violation of Rules 196, 198, and 227. He argues that this lapse severely weakens legislative oversight, particularly in areas involving public accounts, petitions, and ethics. He further notes that the prolonged failure to appoint a Deputy Speaker—mandated under Rule 8—has rendered the Privileges Committee non-functional, leaving numerous privilege matters unresolved.

The most politically sensitive charge concerns the delay in deciding disqualification petitions filed against BRS MLAs who defected to the Congress. Rao cites violations of the Telangana Disqualification Rules of 1986 and Supreme Court precedents such as the Keisham Meghachandra Singh judgment. He notes that the Supreme Court has already issued strong warnings to the Speaker, including remarks suggesting potential contempt for not ruling on the petitions within the mandated timeline.

Rao concluded with an eight-point demand seeking immediate corrective action, including restoring at least 30 working days per year, forming all pending House committees, resolving disqualification petitions, appointing a Deputy Speaker, and enforcing proper conduct during Question Hour and Zero Hour. The letter, also sent to the Minister for Legislative Affairs, places responsibility squarely on the ruling government to restore transparency and integrity within the state legislature.

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