The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : ‘Government ran away from the debate’

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Tuesday, Sep 16, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

‘Government ran away from the debate’

Special Correspondent

Opposition parties chant slogans of ‘Save democracy’

-PHOTO: P. V. SIVAKUMAR

Opposition in unison: The legislators of TDP, Left parties and TRS led by N. Chandrababu Naidu , Chada Venkata Reddy, Etala Rajender and Nomula Narasimhaiah protesting on the steps of the Assembly on Monday.

HYDERABAD: Soon after the Deputy Speaker Kuthuhalamma adjourned the House sine die, major opposition parties staged a ‘dharna’ inside for some time and then at the entrance of the Assembly and charged the government with running away from the debate.

Displaying a rare unity among their ranks that was brought about by the no confidence motion against Speaker K. R. Suresh Reddy, the TDP, CPI, CPI (M), TRS and BSP walked out in unison, sported black badges and chanted slogans of “Save democracy”.

They were led by leader of Opposition N. Chandrababu Naidu and floor leaders, Nomula Narasimhaiah (CPI-M), Chada Venkat Reddy (CPI), E. Rajender (TRS) and Raja Rao (BSP).

Mr. Naidu said democracy was reduced to a sham when a member who had defected from TRS was given a chance. And this, when the House was questioning the Speaker for the two-year delay in disqualifying the TRS members who defected. He said, the issue would be taken to the people by a united Opposition. A memorandum would also be submitted to Governor N. D. Tiwari.

Chair ‘biased’

Mr. Rajender said the Speaker stood accused as he sat over the disqualification issue for over two years. Mr. Narsimhaiah said the Deputy Speaker’s action of allowing all the opposition parties to speak on the issue showed the Chair’s bias. Mr. Venkat Reddy said the Speaker’s action in not deciding the issue of disqualification amounted to encouraging defections.

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