HYDERABAD: The remarks reportedly made by State BJP president N. Indrasena Reddy that it was a common practice for members in the State Assembly to accept money to raise questions evoked sharp criticism.

All parties, barring the BJP, flayed the statement reported in a section of the media and said that the House should take a critical view of such utterances.

They demanded that Mr. Indrasena Reddy come up with evidence as was done in the case of some MPs who were caught on camera while accepting money.

Raising the issue in the Assembly on Wednesday, Yanamala Ramakrishnudu (TDP) said that Mr. Indrasena Reddy had insulted the members by making such sweeping remarks. "If he has any evidence, he should have given specific instances to substantiate his allegations," he said, urging Speaker K.R. Suresh Reddy to take serious note of the remarks. Legislative Affairs Minister K. Rosaiah said it was unfortunate that the leader of a responsible political party had made such observations.

He reminded the former MLA that such allegations sent a wrong message to people. N. Narsimhaiah (CPI-M), Chada Venkat Reddy (CPI), G. Vijayarama Rao (TRS) and Akbaruddin Owaisi (MIM) denounced the remarks and said that the BJP leader should have substantiated his allegations.

BJP reaction

G. Kishan Reddy (BJP) said he had spoken to Mr. Indrasena Reddy, who said he had not referred to the present Assembly in his remarks.

V. Purshottam Reddy (Congress) said such remarks were unheard of in the annals of State Assembly.

The Speaker said that the issue would be examined and appropriate action initiated.

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