Andhra Pradesh assembly monsoon session started on Thursday. It was a stormy session after Opposition party YSR Congress whose male members came wearing black shirts and women members black sarees, protesting the denial of special status to AP.
They insisted the session to debate on the cash-for-vote episode, government’s “failure” to mitigate the plight of farmers affected by drought, and “unfulfilled’ promises made to the State, including Special Category Status, at the time of bifurcation.
YSRC members, who came into the House 20 minutes after the proceedings began this morning, stormed the Speaker’s podium, holding placards and raising slogans “Pratyeka Hoda Andhrula Hakku” (special status is Andhra’s right). They also were critical of the Chief Minister for “compromising” on the state’s interests.
Legislative Affairs Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu said "the government would make a statement in the House on the announcement made by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on the grant of a special economic package to the state. You have no patriotism, nor belief in the Assembly. You boycotted the recitation of the National Anthem in the House. When the government itself is ready to make a statement, why don’t you take part in the subsequent debate."
The ruling party decided to complete the proceedings in three days after ratification of the GST Bill passed by Parliament recently and a couple of other Bills.
Before the session starts, Speaker Kodela Sivaprasada Rao held a meeting with Chief Secretary S.P. Tucker, Director-General of Police N. Sambasiva Rao, heads of departments as well as senior police officials of Telangana. They reviewed the security arrangements being put in place for the smooth conduct of the proceedings.
In the meeting, all the officials decided that the visitors passes will be reduced. They also decided that no OB vans of television channels will be allowed inside the Assembly premises.
Sources said "it was felt that holding of the Question Hour in the morning hours was a customary practice followed by the Assembly and rules did not specify a particular time for the same. The Speaker would accordingly make a proposal in this regard during the BAC meeting seeking the views of political parties."
Meanwhile, elaborate security arrangements have been made in the Assembly premises. Security has been beefed up in view of the ongoing Ganesh festival and upcoming Bakrid to avoid scope for any untoward incidents.
The Speaker wanted the officials to explore all the options of posting officials on duty in shifts as there was scope for the House continuing beyond afternoon.
Also Read: Telangana Assembly Pass GST Bill
BY M. DIVYA SRI
