AP Assembly GST Bill Session Disrupted, Adjourned

The monsoon session of the Andhra Pradesh Legislature today began on a stormy note as the YSR Congress Party stalled the discussions on the four Bills including the GST Bill while protesting the Centre's denial of Special Status to the State for the post-bifurcation recovery.

As soon as the session commenced, the YSR Congress Party members vociferously started demanding that the government initiate discussions on the issue of Special Status. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu introduced the GST Bill in the House for ratification amidst the protests, and said that the bill was pending approval for the past 13 years.

"The GST Bill will boost the country's consumer-driven economy. All goods will have a fixed Value Added Tax. This will enable the prices of goods to drop significantly. The bill will also help in increasing revenue for the Centre as well as the State governments," Naidu stated.

But the members of the YSRCP kept on interrupting the CM's speech and demanded a debate on the Special Status issue instead. The Speaker had to adjourn the House for a few hours amid the commotion.

Moments after the House resumed, the Opposition Party members again started demanding that the Speaker take up the Special Status discussion.

Reacting to the row, the Chief Minister slammed the Opposition party members for stalling the proceedings and for their alleged rudeness. He reminded them of their responsibilities during an Assembly session. But as the ruckus continued, he conceded and said that he was ready for a round of discussions on the issue.

"I am ready to discuss the rejection of Special Status to Andhra Pradesh. But before that, the YSRCP members should resume their seats and be patient, and allow us to pass the GST Bill first," he demanded.

The Opposition Party members however disagreed with the CM and continued their protests. They took to the Speaker's podium and crowded the place. At this point, Speaker Kodela Sivaprasada Rao adjourned the proceedings again.