‘Black day for democracy’: KTR takes aim at Congress, Rahul Gandhi over MLA’s suspension

At the protest site, a furious KTR, calling it a “black day for democracy in India”, took direct aim at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of failing to uphold the constitutional values he often preaches. “Rahul Gandhi preaches the Constitution day in and day out. Unfortunately, today he has forgotten to teach his Congress government and ministers the same values,” KTR told news agency ANI.

“In a unilateral move, even though senior leader Jagdishwar Reddy has not uttered a single derogatory word, they have suspended him from the House for the entire session… We are demanding answers from the government over the non-fulfilment of the promises,” he added.

#WATCH | KT Rama Rao says, “It’s a blot on democracy and it’s truly a black day for democracy in India. Rahul Gandhi preaches Constitution day in and day out. Unfortunately, today he has forgotten to teach his Congress Govt and ministers the same values. In a unilateral move,… https://t.co/A5J81NqmOE pic.twitter.com/3VVfuHPHKS

— ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2025

Jagadish Reddy was suspended on Thursday over alleged “insulting” remarks directed at Speaker G Prasad Kumar during a debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address. Reddy had asserted that the Assembly belonged to all members equally and that the Speaker represents all legislators rather than holding authority over the House.

Legislative Affairs Minister D Sridhar Babu objected to Reddy’s remarks, calling them abusive and a threat to the Chair. “We have to uphold the dignity of the institution, dignity of the chair. This is the responsibility of all members,” Sridhar Babu said. Congress MLA A Lakshman Kumar also criticised Reddy’s remarks, arguing that they insulted the Speaker, a Dalit leader, and called for his suspension.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka supported the action, suggesting that the matter be referred to the ethics committee. Sridhar Babu underscored the importance of upholding parliamentary decorum and moved a motion for Reddy’s suspension, which was approved by the Speaker.

BRS MLA T Harish Rao defended Reddy, arguing that all legislators have equal rights in the House and that the government’s action was undemocratic. KTR announced that BRS would stage state-wide protests on Friday in response to the suspension, according to PTI reports.

“He did not use any unparliamentary words. Reddy’s suspension was enforced without seeking his explanation,” KTR said.

KTR, the son of BRS chief and former chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, has been relentless in his criticism of the Revanth Reddy-led government, branding its 15-month rule a “failure”.