The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Noisy scenes at civic body meet

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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Noisy scenes at civic body meet

Correspondent

Injustice in Deepam connections alleged

Congress member’s remarks lead to chaos
Chairperson suspends TDP councillors

VIZIANAGARAM: The municipal council meeting witnessed unruly scenes and suspensions over the “injustice” meted out to TDP councillors in the sanctioning of LPG connections under the Deepam scheme here on Friday.

Even before chairperson A. Suribabu signalled commencement of zero hour, councillors, led by TDP Floor leader V.S. Prasad, stood near the podium and demanded an answer on their representation given last month with regard to “equal distribution” of the 1,470 gas connections sanctioned for the municipality.

Heated debate

When Mr. Suribabu said that it was not possible, the TDP men squatted on the floor in front of the podium, demanding that the chairperson withdraw his remarks. During the heated debate that followed between ruling party councillors and the opposition members, A. Venu of the Congress made disparaging remarks against agitating councillors leading to near blows.

The ugly scenes were, however, averted with the adjournment of the meeting for 30 minutes. Again when the council met at 11.30 a.m., Dr. Prasad demanded an apology from Mr. Venu and also withdrawal of the chairperson’s remarks on equal distribution.

Mr. Suribabu once again rejected their demand. They continued their protest at the podium. At this stage, the chairperson, quoting rulebook, announced suspension of TDP councillors and asked Commissioner S.S. Verma to read out their names. He once again adjourned the meeting for 10 minutes and left for his chambers.

Prior to leaving the conference hall, Dr. Prasad informed the chairperson that they would continue their stir till justice was done on the issue.

This was for the second time that the TDP councillors staged protest on the discrimination. Later, talking to reporters, Dr. Prasad condemned favouritism.

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Andhra Pradesh