The Legislative Assembly on Thursday reverberated with pro and anti-Sonia Gandhi slogans for her gesture in announcing formation of separate Telangana State.
While participating in the debate on the draft Telangana Bill, TDP MLA from Seemandhra Palle Raghunath Reddy alleged that bifurcation of the State was a part of conspiracy of AICC president Sonia Gandhi to make her son Rahul Gandhi as Prime Minister.
Taking objection to the comments made against Sonia Gandhi, Government Chief Whip Gandra Venkataramana Reddy, Whip Arepalli Mohan and Anil stormed into the well of the House.
When Deputy Speaker Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka disconnected the mike of Raghunath Reddy, the Seemandhra TDP legislators rushed to the podium and raised “Sonia Gandhi Down Down” slogans in high pitch. The Telangana Congress MLAs also rushed into the well of the House and raised counter slogans “Jai Sonia Gandhi”.
Government Whip Dronamraju Srinivas requested the Deputy Speaker to expunge the comments made against Sonia Gandi from the records of the House. He reminded that the Congress has taken a decision for bifurcation of the State following the letter of TDP to the Centre supporting Telangana State. Similarly, the YSR Congress Party also suggested to the Centre to take a decision on Telangana Statehood as per Article 3.
Minister for Health Education Kondru Murali strongly condemned the comments made by the TDP members against Sonia Gandhi. Stating that Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were icons of sacrifice, he pointed out that Rahul Gandhi, who was Lok Sabha member for the last 10 years would have become Prime Minister if he was enamored of the post.
Minister for Legislative Affairs Sailajanath said the people of the State are aware of the contribution of the TDP in the bifurcation decision taken by the Centre. He felt that the bifurcation issue would have been solved by 50 per cent if the TDP Chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu demanded Assembly resolution in support of united Andhra Pradesh.
As the Seemandhra TDP legislators continued their protest at the podium, the Deputy Speaker asked Leader of the Opposition Nara Chandrababu Naidu to call back his party members and cooperate with the chair in the smooth running of the House. When Naidu did not respond positively, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House for 10 minutes. The debate on the draft Telangana Bill continued after the House reassembled. (NSS)