The Assembly echoed with heated arguments between the treasury benches and the main Opposition Congress party during short discussion on Crop Loan Waiver, Minimum Support Price and Agricultural Allied Matters on Wednesday.
The war of words started when the Legislative Affairs Minister T Harish Rao alleged that there was not a single member in the House from the Congress party when discussion was going on and they give an impression that it has great love towards farmers. On hearing the remark made by the Legislative Affairs Minister, CLP leader K Jana Reddy, who was entering the House at that time, countered the former asking where the Chief Minister was in the House when such an important discussion was going on and said it shows the love of the government towards farmers.
Countering again, Harish said Jeevan Reddy spoke on the subject but he was not there in the House as the Minister was giving reply to the short discussion. At this juncture, Speaker S Madhusudana Chary left his seat and Deputy Speaker Padma Devender Reddy occupied the chair. She tried to silence Leader of the Opposition Jana Reddy, who was asking for mike to counter Harish Rao. She insisted that Leader of the Opposition resume his seat.
When Jana Reddy continued his appeal for mike, Harish Rao again made some criticism against the Opposition members. The Speaker asked the Agriculture Minister to continue his speech. When Pocharam tried to continue, the Congress members shouted seeking mike. They also rushed into the well and raised slogans against the chair. Jana Reddy repeatedly asked the Chair for mike and Padma Devendar Reddy gave the mike after some time.
Fuming at Padma Devener Reddy, Jana Reddy said they knew why the Speaker left the Chair and why his Deputy took seat. “This is all drama….”, Jana shouted. Intervening, Harish Rao asked Jana Reddy to withdraw his remarks made against the chair. Withdrawing his remarks Jana Reddy said the Chair was behaving with partiality towards the Opposition benches and the Chair was not looking at them. He also said the Chair was not giving ample time to the Opposition members and cutting the mike amidst the speech. At this juncture, the Chief Minister entered the House and Agriculture Minister continued his speech. (NSS)