War of words between ruling TDP and Opposition YSRC in Andhra Pradesh Assembly

Hyderabad: The ruling TDP and Opposition YSR Congress members were engaged in a war of words in Andhra Pradesh Assembly during a debate on welfare issues on Wednesday.

State ministers Ravela Kishore Babu, K Mrinalini and TDP member B K Parthasarathi spoke about funds allocations made by the TDP government for backward classes and underprivileged sections and the initiatives taken by TDP for their political and economic uplift.

The government has announced a sub-plan for backward classes on the lines of SC/ST sub-plan, they said.

However, Opposition Leader Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, YSRC member G Eswari and others countered the treasury benches, alleging failure of the government and that the allocations have come down.

At one stage, the YSRC members went into the well of the House and raised slogans, which were not clearly audible.

State Labour Minister K Atchannaidu said the Opposition members should resume their seats and speak as it is not clear for what they are seeking an apology.

Deputy Speaker M Buddha Prasad, who was in the chair, said any unparliamentary remarks would be removed from the records.

Subsequently, the Opposition members again trooped into the well of the House. Kishore Babu said he will reply if the Opposition members listened.

Urging the Opposition members to resume their seats, Speaker K Sivaprasad Rao said it is not correct for them if they do not listen to others. Amid the deadlock, the YSRCP members walked out of the House.

Earlier in the day, the Assembly was adjourned twice after the YSR Congress sought a debate on the issue of developing state capital in Vijayawada region and the Speaker disallowed it.

Meanwhile, ruling TDP members moved a privilege motion against nine YSR Congress for allegedly making unparliamentary comments on the Chair on March 19. The Speaker said the matter will be taken up for debate in the House.

YSRC members had earlier moved a privilege motion against some TDP members and the Speaker today said that it will be referred to the privilege committee.