Telangana chief minister opens new central hall named after former speaker

Telangana’s chief minister officially opened the Duddula Sripada Rao Central Hall inside the state legislative building on Thursday, The Hindu reported. The ceremony was attended by senior party officials, legislators and the family of the late Duddula Sripada Rao, who served as speaker of the assembly in the early 2000s.

The new hall, equipped with modern audio‑visual facilities, will host important assembly sessions and public meetings. In his remarks, the chief minister highlighted Rao’s contributions to strengthening parliamentary procedures and said the venue would serve as a fitting tribute to his dedication to democratic governance.

Duddula Sripada Rao, a senior leader of the ruling party, held the speaker’s chair from 2004 to 2009 and was known for his efforts to modernise legislative practices. His tenure coincided with several key reforms, including the introduction of electronic voting in the assembly. Naming the central hall after him reflects a broader trend of commemorating political figures who have shaped Telangana’s institutional framework.

The Telangana Assembly, inaugurated in 2014 after the state’s formation, has undergone several upgrades to accommodate a growing number of lawmakers and to improve transparency. The addition of the Duddula Sripada Rao Central Hall marks the latest enhancement, aiming to provide a more functional space for debates and committee work.

Stakeholders expect the hall to become a focal point for legislative activity, especially as the assembly prepares for upcoming sessions on budget allocations and state‑level reforms. The inauguration underscores the government’s commitment to honoring past leaders while investing in infrastructure that supports effective governance.

The event concluded with a cultural program featuring local artists, symbolising the blend of tradition and progress that the new hall represents for Telangana’s political landscape.