- BRS walkout in Assembly over retirement benefits delay
- Rice exports row and DA arrears spark heated protest
Hyderabad, March 23: The Bharat Rashtra Samithi staged a walkout from the Assembly over the retirement benefits issue and pending dearness allowance payments. The protest came after the Congress government did not give a clear assurance on these matters during the session.
During the question hour, BRS leader T Harish Rao raised multiple concerns. He alleged a major scam in rice exports to the Philippines. He asked the government to clarify the status of 7,500 metric tonnes of rice lying at Kakinada Port for one year. He also questioned why tenders were not floated and whether the contract was given on a nomination basis.
Meanwhile, Harish Rao pointed to NAFED’s willingness to make advance payments for exports. However, he said the government still gave the contract to a private agency. He also questioned the appointment of a government advisor who faces CBI and ED cases. He demanded, “We demand the constitution of a House Committee into these irregularities.”
In response, Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy rejected the allegations. He said the claims were false and baseless. He also stated that the advisor had no connection to the rice export contract. However, the government did not answer the query regarding the advisor’s appointment.
The issue of pending farmer dues also came up. BRS MLA Palla Rajeshwar Reddy raised concerns over Rs. 1200 crore arrears for Yasangi crops. He sought a clear reply from the government. However, the minister did not provide a specific answer. He only assured that the government is committed to protecting farmers’ interests.
Later, tensions rose further over employee-related issues. BRS legislators demanded a clear timeline for retirement benefits, pending DAs, and medical bill payments. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said the government is releasing Rs. 700 crore every month to clear employee bills. He also assured that retirement benefits and pending DAs would be paid soon.
However, the BRS leaders remained dissatisfied with the responses. Therefore, they staged a protest in the House and later walked out of the Assembly. The walkout reflected rising tensions between the opposition and the government over financial commitments and policy transparency.
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