Won't Allow Tainted Ministers To Speak: TDP
TDP leaders demand that none of the ministers named in various CBI chargesheets be allowed to speak in the Assembly.
Hyderabad | 18th June 2013
The issue of tainted ministers disrupted the proceedings of the state Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.
Trouble began when Agriculture minister Kanna Laxminarayana began his reply in the House on an issue related to farmers. His speech was disrupted by the Telugu Desam Party members and its MLA P Keshava, who said that his party will not allow "tainted ministers" to speak in the House.
Intervening on the issue, Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy defended the ministers, and said that they were merely named as accused in various chargesheets, and that therefore, they should not be considered culprits.
The TDP members rushed to Speaker Nadendla Manhoar's podium, and shouted slogans against the ministers. Following this uproar, the Speaker adjourned the House for 15 minutes.
Similar scenes were witnessed when the House re-assembled with Deputy Speaker Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on chair. The TDP members did not allow the Agriculture minister to make a statement. They alleged that the Congress was adopting a dual stand with regard to corruption at the Centre and the state.
The Chief Minister came in defence of the ministers for the second time. However, he failed to convince the agitating opposition members.
Former minister B Dharmana Prasada Rao said that the court is yet to deliver its judgment, and that therefore, those named as accused could not be treated as guilty.
With the TDP members continuing their protest, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House till 4:30pm. (INN)
filed in: TDP, N Kiran Kumar Reddy, Jagan Assets Case, Dharmana Prasada Rao, Scams, Corruption, Kanna Lakshminarayana, Andhra Pradesh Assembly, Nadendla Manohar