REPORTERS’ DIARY Ministers, Opposition, journalists struggle for space in Assembly

With the Assembly sessions in full swing, it appears that space has become the hottest commodity in the corridors of power. From ministers to BRS MLAs to journalists, everyone is feeling the pinch – quite literally. The increasing footfall of visitors and officials has turned the Assembly into a buzzing beehive, leaving barely any room for movement. The ministers’ chambers are now doubling up as makeshift meeting spots, but even those are running out of space. In a rather amusing turn of events, ministers Komatireddy Venkatreddy and Sridhar Babu found themselves without a place to sit and chat, forcing them to step aside and seek refuge in Tummala Nageswara Rao’s chamber, where they finally got some breathing space. Meanwhile, BRS again alleged that the government deliberately pushed KCR out of the inner lobby to a far less accommodating outer lobby, leaving their main opposition struggling for room. “How can the largest opposition party function without adequate space?” is the grievance from their camp. Journalists aren’t faring any better either. With chairs in short supply, the press contingent is mostly standing, squeezing into whatever corners they can find. If things continue at this rate, soon, the Assembly might need a reservation system—first come, first served, even for ministers!