Southern States - Andhra Pradesh   

Stormy start to session

By Our Special Correspondent

Hyderabad Sept. 23. The stamp papers scam became an issue in the Assembly right from the commencement of the session this morning when members belonging to the Congress moved in with posters alleging Government links with the racket, and remained on feet with a demand for a full debate under the adjournment motion served by them.

The protest by the main Opposition stalled the proceedings for half an hour, affecting question hour which was the first item on the agenda. Congress members, however, resumed seats later with the Speaker, K. Pratibha Bharati, announcing her decision to go ahead with a short discussion on the issue as resolved at the Business Advisory Committee meeting yesterday, disallowing the adjournment motion which was also served on the same matter, "Criminalisation of politics" by the MIM and the CPI(M). The BJP came out with its own adjournment motion to highlight "increased ISI" activities, but this too was disallowed.

Congress members tried to enter the premises with placards but the attempt was foiled by the police who seized them. However, some of them carried posters in files and after entering the House, they unfolded the posters and waved them towards the Chair. The posters carrying pictures of the Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, and C. Krishna Yadav, legislator with alleged links with the scam, on the top made allegations against the TDP and Krishna Yadav.

The Finance Minister, Y. Ramakrishnudu, came to the rescue of the Speaker, criticising Congress members for agreeing on one thing at the BAC meeting and saying another now. Congress members relented after the Speaker announced her decision to take up short discussion immediately after question hour.

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