TDP MLAs suspended for entire Telangana Budget session for ‘disrespecting national anthem’

Hyderabad: The opposition TDP members were on Monday suspended for the entire budget session of the Telangana Legislative Assembly for showing "disrespect to the national anthem".

The alleged incident had taken place on Saturday, the opening day, when Governor E S L Narasimhan delivered the customary address. Speaker S Madhusudanachari announced the suspension after legislative affairs minister T Harish Rao moved the proposal.

But the suspended members refused to leave the house when the Speaker asked them to, and were evicted by the marshals.

Leader of Opposition K Jana Reddy (Congress) and BJP's floor leader K Laxman requested the Speaker to review the decision, saying it would be too harsh a measure.

Harish Rao pointed out that the Speaker had allowed TDP floor leader E Dayakar Rao to speak but he did not use the opportunity. He also referred to the decision taken at all-party meeting held by the Speaker that the MLAs should express apology over the incident.

Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao said the suspended members were not allowing the house to function, and his government was determined to ensure that the house ran as per the schedule.

On Saturday, opposition members alleged that the ruling TRS government was encouraging defections. Holding placards, they shouted slogans and flung papers at the podium.

The Governor's address continued amidst sloganeering and protests. The government has alleged that the national anthem, which was played before and after the address, was disrespected.