In a statement contradicting his government’s earlier actions, particularly the suspension of former Minister G Jagadish Reddy during the Budget session, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy claimed on Saturday that no legislator had been suspended from the Assembly since he assumed office.
“We are prepared to listen to all legislators. The government has no hesitation in accepting constructive suggestions or amending decisions,” Revanth said while addressing the Jaipal Reddy Memorial Award presentation ceremony here.
The Chief Minister said it was undemocratic to deny people the right to stage protests and warned that ideological politics was being replaced by ‘Swiggy politics’, which he
described as a threat to democracy. “Democratic values are declining, and political management is on the rise,” he remarked.
Revanth credited former Union Minister Jaipal Reddy with bringing national recognition to Telangana after former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, recalling his advocacy for reducing the role of money in politics and promoting public service.
“Though Jaipal Reddy opposed Telangana’s formation and did not actively take part in the Statehood movement, Telangana could not have been achieved without his support,” Revanth said. He added that Congress leader Sonia Gandhi once told him that her decision to approve Telangana Statehood was influenced by Jaipal Reddy’s persuasion.