Legislators Advised to Stay Connected with Constituents
Hyderabad: Legislative Council Chairman Gutha Sukender Reddy has urged legislators to avoid over-reliance on their personal assistants (PAs) for maintaining public relations in their Assembly constituencies. Speaking at the inauguration of a two-day orientation program for legislators at the MCR HRD Institute on Wednesday, Reddy highlighted how weak connections with constituents have cost many MLAs their seats in the past.
Reddy cautioned that rude or irresponsible behavior by PAs, PROs, or even gunmen could harm a leader’s reputation. He explained that such incidents lead to public dissatisfaction, which often translates into electoral losses. “The one who mingles with people is more likely to secure victory over rivals,” he said, emphasizing the importance of direct communication with constituents.
The Chairman also noted that this type of orientation program had not been conducted in the past decade. He stressed the importance of training for legislators, pointing out that while they receive materials on rules and regulations upon taking their oaths, few actually take the time to read them. “Just as doctors and engineers need to study their fields, public representatives must learn to understand the hearts of the people,” Reddy remarked.
In addition to Reddy’s advice, Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar shared plans to introduce a “Best Legislative Assembly Person Award” in Telangana, similar to the “Best Parliamentarian Award.” He emphasized the importance of discussing legislation thoroughly to ensure it benefits the public. Reflecting on the past, Kumar noted how the oratory skills of legislators once captivated audiences, with people glued to their TVs and even movie releases postponed to avoid clashes with Assembly sessions.
Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy also spoke during the event, advocating for the Assembly to convene more frequently. He criticized the previous BRS regime for not holding enough sessions and called for maximizing the number of Assembly days to address public issues effectively.
The orientation program aims to equip legislators with the tools they need to better serve their constituencies and strengthen democratic processes in Telangana.
