‘Opposition failed to play its role'

Chief Minister K. Rosaiah has said that the Opposition parties were not inclined to take up any discussion during the just concluded budget session of the Assembly.

A file picture of AP Chief Minister K. Rosaiah. Photo: G. Krishnaswamy.

Talking to reporters after the House was adjourned sine die on Tuesday, Mr. Rosaiah said the Assembly ended its sitting without discussing the Appropriation Bill or any other demands. “Opposition has to demand but in the budget session, they were not inclined to take up any discussion,” he remarked.

Regretting that thorough discussion on several issues could not be taken up due the attitude of the Opposition parties, he said the ruling party legislators and Ministers showed collective responsibility in handling the situation. Expressing satisfaction on the budget session, the Chief Minister said attendance of ruling party members including the first timers was satisfactory.

Government Chief Whip Mallu Bhati Vikramarka and Whips – K. Murali and Sake Sailajanath -- blamed the TDP for disrupting the proceedings . They said for over four hours, the TDP members stalled the House without allowing any discussion. “Public issues and problems concerning the general public were not allowed to be taken up by the TDP,” Mr. Bhatti alleged.

On the other hand, PR, CPI, CPI (M), BJP and Lok Satta alleged that the Congress and opposition TDP had colluded to deny debate on issues related to the people. G. Mallesh (CPI) alleged that Speaker and the government had stifled the voice of smaller parties. Somebody might move a court, if the way the House was conducted continued.

N. Jayaprakash Narayan (Lok Satta) sought the forgiveness from people on behalf of all legislators for not debating latter's problems. It was unfortunate that debate was not allowed even on Appropriation Bill and it reflected the government functioning, G. Kishan Reddy (BJP) said.