BRS submits response to Speaker over disqualification petitions against ''turncoat'' MLAs
Hyderabad (PTI): The BRS has submitted its response to the notices sent by Telangana Assembly Speaker G Prasad Kumar over the disqualification petitions against its MLAs who allegedly shifted loyalties to the ruling Congress.
The Speaker had earlier asked for the replies of the 'turncoat MLAs' on the disqualification petitions filed against them by BRS, senior party leader and MLA G Jagadish Reddy told reporters on Monday.
After the 'defector MLAs' furnished their replies, the Speaker has sought response from BRS and gave three days time to respond, he said.
The Speaker sought response in respect of eight turncoat MLAs, while BRS on Monday responded with regards to six legislators.
The reply in regard to the two other MLAs would be submitted later, Jagadish Reddy said.
Though 'turncoat MLAs' informed the Speaker that they have not quit BRS, the K Chandrasekhar Rao-led party has presented proof of such MLAs shifting loyalty to the Congress, he further said.
Jagadish Reddy hoped that the Speaker would take decision on the disqualification petitions as per law.
Otherwise, BRS would continue its fight for the disqualification of the 'defected MLAs' in court, he said.
He also hoped that the MLAs, who allegedly switched over to Congress, would be disqualified.
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court on July 31 directed the speaker to decide in three months, the disqualification pleas against 10 BRS MLAs who switched allegiance to the ruling Congress, saying political defections have the power to disrupt democracy if not curbed.
Speaker Prasad Kumar had earlier said he will consult legal experts after receiving the SC order copy on the issue of disqualification of BRS MLAs and take future course of action.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
'Sarke Chunar' row: Sanjay Dutt apologises; to sponsor education of 50 tribal girls
New Delhi (PTI): Actor Sanjay Dutt on Monday appeared before the National Commission for Women (NCW) in connection with the controversy over the song 'Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke' and submitted a written apology, expressing regret for any "unintended" harm caused to society.
During the hearing, held under NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, the commission raised concerns over alleged vulgarity and indecent representation of women in the song from the movie "KD The Devil" and questioned issues of intent, awareness and accountability.
The chairperson emphasised whether adequate due diligence was undertaken before participating in content that could be perceived as promoting objectification of women, while also underlining the responsibility of senior and influential public figures in ensuring that their work remains within the bounds of legal and societal standards.
As a corrective measure, Dutt committed to sponsoring the education of 50 tribal girl children as part of efforts towards social welfare and women's empowerment, the NCW said in a statement.
He also assured the commission that his future artist agreements would include mandatory legal due diligence provisions to ensure dignified and appropriate representation of women and children in films and related creative projects.
Actor Nora Fatehi, who was also summoned, could not appear as she is currently abroad and has sought a fresh date for the hearing.
On April 6, other individuals associated with the song, including director Kiran Kumar alias Prem, lyricist Raqueeb Alam and representatives of KVN Production Company Gautam K M and Suprith, appeared before the commission and submitted their apologies.
The NCW underscored that while artistic freedom is important, it must be exercised with responsibility and sensitivity, reiterating the need for accountability in content reaching wide public audiences and reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the dignity and representation of women.
The Hindi version of the song, released on March 15 on YouTube, drew public ire for its sexually explicit lyrics.
After the outrage, the makers deleted the Hindi version of the song from YouTube, although it was widely played and shared across various platforms.
Fatehi, in a video later, distanced herself from the song, saying she shot the video for the Kannada version and her permission was not taken to use it in the Hindi version. The lyricist, singer and the director also apologised.
The issue was brought up in Lok Sabha during Question Hour by Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Anand Bhadoria last month.
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the song was already banned and the government was ready to take action against such vulgarity.
"KD The Devil" is a Kannada film, dubbed in four languages, including Hindi. It will release on April 30. The film features Dhruva Sarja, V Ravichandran, Ramesh Aravind, Shilpa Shetty, and Dutt.
