Ayyanna Patrudu Still A Firebrand Leader: Naidu

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu today said that Ayyanna Patrudu was one of the most senior members of the State Assembly, and that he was also a firebrand leader of the State.

He was speaking after the election of Patrudu as the State Assembly Speaker.

"I am happy that Ayyanna has been elected unanimously as the Speaker with everyone's approval. Ayyanna is a person who knows the value of legislatures. He entered politics at the age of 25 at the invitation of NTR, and was elected as an MLA seven times and an MP once since then. As an MLA, MP and minister, he made a special mark in the Telugu States, and worked with ethics, honesty and commitment. And at the age of 66, he is still a firebrand leader," Naidu said.

"In the last five years, we have faced a lot of difficulties. Ayyanna worked hard for the development of the north Andhra region, but was booked in several police stations and harassed. Even though 23 cases were filed against him, there was an uncompromising fight by him. We must remember that we all have a sacred responsibility. If you work effectively, respect comes automatically," the CM said.

He also alleged that the previous government had damaged the sacred Assembly in its five years and had harassed the 23 MLAs of his party in it.

"I have been elected as an MLA nine times. What happened in the 15th Legislative Assembly has never happened in my life. The YSR Congress leaders denigrated my family at will. I was insulted by not even being given the mike. On that day, I said that I would come back to the Assembly only as the Chief Minister. I have kept my promise," Naidu added.

He said that Pawan Kalyan too was not allowed to touch the Assembly gate in the past, but that his party had this time won all the 21 Assembly seats it contested for.

Naidu suggested that the new Speaker should however take the House back to dignity, and put an end to the debasing and vulgarity that had creeped in in the previous government.

"I believe that the House will run with dignity under the leadership of Ayyanna Patrudu. The members too should act in a way that enhances the dignity of the House," Naidu said.