Comments on Indiramma’s name stall the Assembly

A heated discussion over toddy policies in the Assembly took a controversial turn when BJP member Paidhi Rakesh Reddy’s remarks on “Ippasara” sparked a major uproar on Wednesday. Speaking during the debate, Rakesh Reddy stated that liquor made from mahua flowers, widely available in tribal regions, is healthy and produced in nearly 130 countries. He suggested that the government should establish an industry to manufacture and market Ippasara locally, while also remarking that it should not be named after Indiramma like other welfare schemes. His comments triggered strong reactions from ministers, with Wakiti Srihari objecting to the mention of a former Prime Minister in such a context and demanding an apology, calling it disrespectful to women.

Ministers Sridhar Babu, Ponnam Prabhakar, and Seethakka also condemned the remarks, terming them unfortunate and insisting on an apology. As BJP members attempted to defend their stance, Congress members raised objections, leading to chaos in the House and a disruption that lasted nearly an hour. Protem Speaker Revuri Prakash Reddy intervened, stating that referring to a deceased former Prime Minister in such a manner was inappropriate and directed that the remarks be withdrawn. Rakesh Reddy later clarified that he did not intend to insult anyone and suggested removing his comments from the records if deemed inappropriate. The Speaker subsequently ordered the expunging of the remarks and warned against such incidents in the future, stating that guidelines would be introduced to prevent recurrence.