Opposition Leader in Andhra Pradesh Assembly Chandrababu Naidu today pleaded with Deputy Speaker Mallu Batti Vikramarka to provide protection to his party members after Labour Minister Danam Nagender issued a warning that they cannot move about in Hyderabad freely. Trouble started during a short discussion on power supply situation in the state when TDP member Narender Kumar was speaking. When Mr Kumar made an allegation that the Congress Party was solely responsible for the power crisis, Mr Nagender intervened and countered it.
Then, another TDP member said in 2004 Assembly Elections the Labour Minister came to the TDP President and ‘fell at his feat’ seeking a party ticket. Angered by the remark, the Labour Minister said there was no need for him to touch anybody’s feet for a party ticket as he was elected an MLA for five terms. Mr Nagender also made a remark that he would ensure that TDP members will not move about in Hyderabad freely. Protesting this, opposition members caused an uproar in the House with the TDP members rushing to the podium and demanding the sacking of the Minister. Mr Chandrababu Naidu said the Minister was talking like a ‘Hyderabad Rowdy’ and appealed to the Chair to protect the TDP members. Legislative Affairs Minister D Sridhar Babu, coming to the rescue of the Minister, said Mr Nagender had only said that people will not allow them (TDP) to move about if they hurt the sentiments of anyone in the House. He said the opposition TDP should understand that Mr Nagender had not meant anything else.