The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Uproar over Naidu's remarks against Speaker

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Dec 10, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Uproar over Naidu's remarks against Speaker

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, DEC. 9. The Assembly witnessed uproarious scenes on Thursday following a remark by the Leader of the Opposition, N. Chandrababu Naidu, against the Speaker, K R. Suresh Reddy that the latter should listen to what he says.

The Congress member, D.L. Ravindra Reddy, resumed the discussion on irrigation projects. Citing reasons for the TD debacle in elections, he alleged that Mr. Naidu was resorting to mudslinging and stalling irrigation projects.

He accused Mr. Naidu of neglecting farm sector and opposing Krishna-Godavari river linkage. He charged that the TD chief had prevented the Right to Information Bill in the State Assembly. "Everybody now knows what sort of a person Mr. Naidu is", Dr. Reddy said inviting strong protests from the TD members.

Mr. Naidu said that his party wanted the irrigation projects at any cost but was only opposed to the alleged attempts to make money out of the irrigation tenders. The Speaker advised him to confine his clarification only to the charges.

In an angry tone he said: "You have to listen" drawing loud protests from the Congress members. They took offence at the manner in which Mr. Naidu was behaving.

Mr. Naidu resumed his speech charging that the Congress members had dragged his family members and personal issues were raised in the House on several occasions.

Demanding protection of the rights of the TD members, he said: "Why do you get angry on seeing us".

Veiled threat: YSR

The Chief Minister, Y S. Rajasekhara Reddy, observed that Mr. Naidu's utterances were something like a veiled threat. Turning towards Mr. Naidu, he said: "Why are you getting frustrated. Do not get exposed in such a manner".

He wanted the TD leader to tender an apology in the best interest of democracy. "If you do not apologise it reflects on your behaviour in the House", he pointed out. The Congress members raised slogans demanding an apology. The TD members also raised counter-slogans. Uproarious scenes continued for some time before the debate resumed.

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