The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Chakrapani assumes office

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Wednesday, Apr 04, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Chakrapani assumes office

Special Correspondent

Council Chairman elected unanimously

HYDERABAD: Veteran Congress leader A. Chakrapani assumed office as the Chairman of the newly constituted Legislative Council on Tuesday amidst cheers from the members of the ruling and Opposition parties.

Immediately after his election, Dr. Chakrapani was escorted to the dais by Commercial Taxes Minister Konathala Ramakrishna, Palle Raghunatha Reddy of the TDP and others to take charge from pro tem Chairman Puvvada Nageswara Rao. As the House got down with its business after more than two decades, members from the political parties as well as those elected from Graduates' and Teachers' constituencies assured their support to the Chair in "purposeful" conduct of the House.

Naidu's remarks

Some members, however, took objection to the remark made by TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu that the Council would be abolished if his party comes back to power in the State. While the new members said that Mr. Naidu's comments hurt their feelings, Paladugu Venkat Rao (Congress) said Mr. Naidu was "daydreaming" about his coming back to power.

Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy said Dr. Chakrapani's assumption of office as chairman marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Upper House. It was heartening that Dr. Chakrapani was unanimously elected as chairman of council that was revived in tune with the changing political scenario.

Legislative Affairs Minister K. Rosaiah recalled the opposition from some sections to the revival of the Council and said the members should clear their apprehensions by ensuring meaningful debates. Mr. Nageswara Rao said the Council had been re-constituted to bring out lapses if any in the functioning of the Government and suggest remedial measures. Mr. Raghanatha Reddy assured the TDP's full cooperation in the successful conduct of the Council proceedings.

Several other members including Chukka Ramaiah, B. Mohan Reddy, K. Dileep Kumar and K. Nageswar announced their cooperation for the smooth conduct of the proceedings.

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