VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council witnessed an uproar when Deputy Chief Minister Amzath Basha Shaik Behari presented the Annual Financial Statement on Thursday.
Telugu Desam members trooped into the well of the house raising slogans against the state government, before staging a walkout.
Soon after the Session started, Council chairman Koyyenu Moshenu Raju asked Deputy CM to present the Budget. However, Telugu Desam MLCs, including B. Tirumala Naidu, K.E. Prabhakar, Duvvarapu Rama Rao and Deepak Reddy, trooped into the well holding placards. They raised slogans “Appula Putta – Budget Chitta” and “Kasulu Gala Gala – Abhivrudhi Vela Vela”. They criticised the state government for failing to release wages to employees on the first of every month.
Countering the TD members, the ruling YSR Congress members shouted “Jai Jagan” slogans and thumped desks.
Tension mounted with members of both treasury and opposition benches trying to draw the attention of the Council chairman while the Deputy Chief Minister continued to read out the Budget.
Failing to draw any response from the Chairman, opposition members tore papers and threw them towards the podium. Moshenu Raju repeatedly advised opposition members to remain calm and be seated in their respective chairs. But the opposition did not relent and instead staged a walk-out.
The Chairman continued the Session with a presentation of annual financial statement. Animal husbandry minister Seeediri Appalaraju presented the Budget related to agriculture and allied sectors.
Council Chairman thereafter adjourned the Session for the day till 10 am on Friday.
