Harish Rao questions appointment of Mahender Reddy as Legislative Council Chief Whip

HYDERABAD: Former minister and Siddipet MLA Harish Rao has raised objections over the appointment of BRS MLC Patnam Mahender Reddy as Chief Whip of the Telangana Legislative Council. He questioned how Mahender Reddy was appointed to the position while a disqualification petition against him is still pending with the Council Chairman.

Harish Rao pointed out that this appointment is a clear example of constitutional violations. He criticised the BRS government's decision, drawing parallels to how the Congress government allegedly handled the appointment of the PAC Chairman in a similar manner. He expressed his dissatisfaction, stating that the Chairman's bulletin on appointing Mahender Reddy as Chief Whip further strengthens the disqualification petition against him.

The BRS leader also mentioned that Mahender Reddy had participated in official flag-hoisting ceremonies on Independence Day and Telangana Liberation Day despite the pending petition. The government had issued a bulletin declaring Mahender Reddy as Chief Whip with effect from March 15.

Harish Rao said that the BRS party would take up the issue with the Governor.