Mayor’s remark sparks protests

Being a presiding officer, Mayor is supposed to be apolitical: YSRC. The trouble continued until the Mayor wounded up the condolence resolution by recalling his association with Narasaraju, who served as VGTMUDA Board member also. Later, the Council observed a two-minute silence to pay homage to the former corporator.

YSR Congress and TDP Corporators enter into an argument over a mentioning of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and YSR Congress president Y.S.Jaganmohan Reddy's names at VMC general body meeting in Vijayawada on Thursday. Photo: V. Raju.

Mayor Koneru Sridhar over stepped his Chair with his comments at VMC Council meeting here on Thursday inviting protest by the opposition YSR Congress.

His comment, “days are not enough to discuss about Mr. Jagan,” sparked protests, challenges and counter challenges. YSR Congress, even while demanding the Mayor to withdraw his remarks, suggested that a special meeting be convened to discuss about Mr. Jagan and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Utter chaos prevailed in the Council as every member tried to put forward his argument at top of his/her voice.

The Corporation authorities switched on all mikes upping the ante. The precincts of Council hall echoed with the din and the Council did not discuss a single issue listed on agenda until post lunch session.

Trouble broke out when YSR Congress took objection to TDP corporators praising Mr. Naidu while condoling the death of former corporator Uppalapathi Narasaraju. Both opposition and ruling members crossed swords on the issue. Both of them accused each other on discipline, corruption and leadership values.

The trouble continued until the Mayor wounded up the condolence resolution by recalling his association with Narasaraju, who served as VGTMUDA Board member also. Later, the Council observed a two-minute silence to pay homage to the former corporator.

Trouble broke out again when opposition members tried to rake up the issue. Mr. Sridhar asserted that there would not be any discussion once the Mayor concluded the issue with his remarks.

In the podium

The YSRC members rushed to podium demanding explanation on how the ruling party could amend a resolution that was already adopted by the Council. They waved news reports published in the newspapers.

In a bid to bring the house to order, he announced a 15-minute break, but the protest continued even after the break.

The Mayor suggested YSR Congress floor leader Punya Seela that the issue could be discussed if they went back to their seats. His efforts went in vain forcing him to announce lunch break.

Later, YSRC corporators said, “the Mayor is supposed to be apolitical as a presiding officer. But, he made a political statement from his chair. His comments against Mr. Jagan were unwarranted.”