When the BRS is in power, the Assembly is described as a temple. But when the same party moves into the opposition, it appears that anything goes inside the House. After the formation of Telangana, then Chief Minister KCR had spoken at length in the Assembly about values and decorum. He had said that the Assembly is a sacred temple and that the Telangana Assembly should serve as a model for the entire country. He even suggested that anyone entering the well of the House should be automatically suspended. KCR made many such statements back then. However, the current conduct of BRS MLAs in the Assembly seems to be in complete contrast to what he had preached. As an opposition party, they have every right to question the government on issues like the alleged illegal mining by a company linked to Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, and to corner the government. But the way BRS MLAs behaved in the House does not align at all with the principles they once advocated while in power.
In the Assembly, the Chief Minister, ministers, and all members are expected to strictly follow rules and procedures. Another key issue that has sparked controversy is the behavior of former minister KTR on Sunday. BRS MLAs staged a strong protest in the House demanding the formation of a House committee to probe the alleged illegal mining activities of Raghava Constructions, a company linked to Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy. There is nothing wrong with raising such a demand. But during this protest, KTR was seen standing with his elbow resting on fellow former minister Jagadish Reddy, which has drawn sharp criticism. Observers say such posture is inappropriate in the Assembly and does not reflect parliamentary decorum.
What is surprising is that despite KTR’s apparent disregard for Assembly norms—as if he were in a private setting rather than a legislative house—the ruling Congress party largely ignored the issue. However, officials and senior leaders have criticized his conduct. There is growing debate that a former minister—and a leader who could potentially become Chief Minister if the BRS returns to power—should not behave in such a manner in the Assembly. The photo of this incident has now gone viral on social media. Interestingly, a few months ago in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly, Nandamuri Balakrishna also faced heavy criticism for speaking with his hands in his pockets and sunglasses placed on his head.