Ruckus in AP Assembly Over Special Status

September 08, 2016 15:38
Ruckus in AP Assembly Over Special Status

The special category status issue has rocked the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on the first day of the Monsoon session in Hyderabad on Thursday.

Opposition YSR Congress members, who came into the House 20 minutes after the proceedings began shouting slogans. They climed Speaker's podium, holding placards and shouted "Pratyeka Hoda Andhrula Hakku".

They also alleged 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," Yanamala asked the YSRC, whose male members came wearing black shirts and women members black sarees, protesting the denial of special status to AP.

The leader of Opposition Y S Jaganmohan Reddy said that "the House passed two unanimous resolutions previously demanding that special status is granted to the state."

"Last night, Jaitley categorically ruled out special status. When the Chief Minister himself welcomed this announcement, what should we discuss," Jagan wondered.

As some of the YSRC legislators surrounded his chair and some others stayed put in the Well, Speaker Kodela Sivaprasada Rao warned them to "avoid unruly behavior".

"You can't hijack the House. This is very unfair. I am pleading with you (to ensure order)," the Speaker said but the Opposition members only raised their pitch.

The Speaker then adjourned the House for ten minutes. In a late night development, the Centre announced a financial package for Andhra Pradesh that includes full funding of Polavaram irrigation project, tax concessions, and a special assistance, but stopped short of giving the state a special category status.

Also Read: YSRCP Creates Uproar During AP Assembly Monsoon Session

BY M. DIVYA SRI

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