Mana Sabha–Jana Sabha Opens Assembly Premises to Public
Deputy speaker Raghurama Krishna Raju said opening the assembly premises to ordinary citizens marked a new beginning and assured that its doors would remain open to the people.
Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly premises in Amaravati were opened to the public on Friday as part of the ‘Mana Sabha–Jana Sabha’ programme, aimed at bringing people closer to the legislature and marking Independence Day with public participation.
Legislative Council Chairman Koyye Moshen Raju and Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu launched the programme, which featured patriotic songs, cultural performances and an AP Police Brass Band Symphony. The public and students were allowed free entry to the Assembly premises and given an opportunity to visit both houses.
Moshen Raju said it was gratifying to celebrate Independence Day with the people. Recalling that ordinary citizens earlier did not have easy access to the assembly premises, he welcomed the opportunity now being provided to them to visit both houses and said such initiatives would strengthen people's connect with democracy.
Describing the assembly as a “temple of democracy” reflecting the hopes and aspirations of the people, he said students from schools across the state were being given an opportunity to watch legislative proceedings from the assembly gallery.
Deputy speaker Raghurama Krishna Raju said opening the assembly premises to ordinary citizens marked a new beginning and assured that its doors would remain open to the people.
Legislative secretary-general Prasanna Suryadevara termed the initiative innovative and said the large turnout of students and citizens reflected their interest in democracy.
KL University students presented patriotic songs, while the police brass band and a cultural performance by Irukullapati Lakshmi Sahasra, a disciple of Kaja Venkata Subrahmanyam, drew applause.