Hyderabad: Lok Sabha Speaker Ms Sumitra Mahajan and Union minority affairs minister Dr Najma Heptulla on Saturday showered praises on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu stating he was a tech-savvy leader who would use the latest global and management techniques to put the development of the residuary state on fast track.
The two women dignitaries were in the city to address MLAs and MLCs orientation sessions. Both Sumitra and Najma described Naidu as tech-savvy and exuded confidence that he would fulfil the aspirations of the people of the state, post bifurcation. In her address, Najma Heptulla praised Naidu for pioneering computerisation in governance.
N. Chandrababu Naidu had given laptops to his party MPs in the late 90s itself. Earlier, Sumitra Mahajan said, “You also need to construct your Assembly building. Your Chief Minister is tech-savvy, and he will do a better job than expected,” while delivering the keynote address to the members of AP Legislative Assembly and Council respectively.
Referring to the election of 98 first-time MLAs in the 175-member AP Assembly, Ms Mahajan quipped, “You can mould them (into good members) as they are not seasoned politicians. It is difficult to change seasoned politicians!” She said disrespect to the Chair (Speaker) brings disrepute to the House. Therefore, by being responsible, members can enhance the reputation of the House. Legislators should have a ‘360 degree vision’ as they are accountable for all their constituents.
“Your accountability is not only for those who voted for you but also for those who did not. Your vision and work should be aimed at 360 degrees.You are leaders who have to lead from the front,” the Speaker said.
"Respect is commanded and not demanded," Ms Mahajan said and asked legislators to be firm on moral, ethics and values. These days, how to appear great has become a fad but
how to become great is important," she remarked. Opposition leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy did not attend the orientation programme for the second consecutive day too. Sumitra Mahajan during her address mentioned it and asked whether he was present.
