Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar emphasized the importance of legislators in safeguarding democracy and ensuring the welfare of the people during a Legislative Orientation Programme held at the MCHRD, Hyderabad, on Wednesday.
The programme was organized for MLAs and MLCs, focusing on legislative responsibilities and democratic values.
Speaking at the event, Speaker Prasad criticized the BRS for boycotting the training sessions, stating, “I am speaker…I have no connection with any party. Even though BRS lost power, they remain under the illusion of being in charge. It is not right for KTR as a senior leader to make comments about the Speaker. The BRS and KTR have not changed their ways.”
He asserted that the BRS is losing public trust by missing opportunities to engage constructively in the Assembly.
The Speaker highlighted the need for legislators to engage meaningfully with the democratic process.
“The people of Telangana watch legislative sessions closely. To enhance transparency, all sessions will be broadcast live, enabling citizens to assess the discussions and decisions being made,” he said.
Prasad also proposed the introduction of a “Best Legislator Award,” like the Best Parliamentarian Award, to encourage excellence among lawmakers.
The Speaker urged legislators to familiarize themselves with essential legislative activities, including Question Hour, Zero Hour, Resolutions, and Budget Discussions.
“Understanding the rules of the House is as important as representing the people. Only by knowing the pulse of the public can legislators truly serve their purpose,” he said.
Prasad also advised new legislators to learn from experienced lawmakers, citing leaders like Rosaiah, Jaipal Reddy, and Vidyasagar Rao as exemplary orators.
The Speaker reiterated the responsibility of lawmakers to ensure that their actions align with public aspirations. He called for the effective implementation of laws and meaningful discussions in the Assembly.
Council Chairman Gutta Sukhendar Reddy and Legislative Affairs Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of training programmes for lawmakers. They pointed out that a lack of understanding of legislative processes among public representatives has contributed to inefficiencies and disconnect with the public.
Sukhendar stressed the need for MLAs and MLCs to remain approachable to the public, urging them to avoid reliance on personal assistants who often alienate constituents.
“The main reason why MLAs distance themselves from the people and lose elections is because of PAs and PROs. If someone calls an MLA, the PAs and PROs will speak rudely. MLAs should be in touch with everyone on the phone,” he said.
He also raised concerns about the rising cost of elections and the need to make politics more inclusive. We should get used to picking up our phones ourselves. Our PAs and PROs are also getting annoyed when they get phones. There is some opposition among the people even about gunmen. We should be careful with those who come to the side after winning. Elections have become costly. Even if we are the Speaker, the decision on how many days the House will be held is up to the government. If the government wants to hold the House for more days, it will be held for more days.
Minister Sridhar Babu also stressed the need for MLAs to actively participate in sessions, regardless of their political stance. “In the past, despite ideological differences, all members fulfilled their roles in the Assembly. This tradition must continue,” he said.
“When I was first elected, the Congress was in the opposition. When I was in the Assembly for the fourth time, the PAC was not given to the opposition. All MLAs should continue the tradition of attending the Legislative Assembly. Don’t stay away from the Assembly after winning as an MLA. We are people who look for when we get an opportunity to speak,” said Minister Sridhar Babu.
Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy stressed the need for longer Assembly sessions, criticizing the previous trend of holding sessions for only four to five days annually.
He emphasized that the Congress Government intends to extend session durations to ensure comprehensive discussions on governance and legislation.
