Speaker Nadendla Manohar's response to the Telugu Desam Party's (TDP) demand that he address the no-confidence motion moved by the party President N Chandrababu Naidu had a gobsmacking effect on all involved.
"The no-confidence notice in question is yet to reach my desk. I will comment on it only after going through the contents of the notice once it reaches me," said Nadendla on Monday.
The TDP is expectedly outraged with the Speaker's statement.
"It is unfortunate that the Speaker claims that the notice hasn't reached his desk yet. This is reflective of the Assembly's indifference towards the no-confidence motion filed," stated TDP member and former Speaker Y Ramakrishnudu.
The TDP leader also clarified that Nadendla Manohar has no option but to address the trust vote sooner or later, as the motion cannot be ignored.
Moving on, Nadendla stated that he was considering the legal aspects of taking action against Congress leaders who were sailing alongside Jagan. He said he would allow both the parties (the Congress and the allegedly errant ministers) to explain themselves, and then take a non-partisan decision.
The Speaker also revealed that he intends to convene a meeting with the floor leaders of all political parties to discuss the issue of improving the efficiency of the Assembly.