By wearing a black shirt in the Assembly on Friday, Chief Minister and TDP national president N. Chandrababu Naidu set a precedent for himself.
In observance of the black day, which he called to highlight the injustice done to the State by the Central government even in its last Budget, Mr. Naidu said it was the first time in his political career that he wore a black shirt.
“I am pained over the manner in which the Prime Minister dumped the A.P. Reorganisation Act and the promise of the Special Category Status (SCS). At my public meetings, common people came forward to donate their hard-earned money for the development of the State. I want to convey this widespread sense of disenchantment to the Centre,” he said, advising the BJP to realise its ‘grave mistake’ of playing with the sentiments of people.
Many TDP MLAs and MLCs too wore black shirts. Assembly Speaker Kodela Siva Prasada Rao sported a black ribbon.
This is the second time that Dr. Rao sported a black badge in the House, an uncommon practice in legislatures.
Heated exchanges
The Assembly witnessed a heated debate between TDP and BJP MLAs with Mr. Naidu accusing the latter of not being sensitive enough to understand the gravity of the situation in the State. After a long debate, the House passed a resolution protesting the Centre’s delay in implementation of the Reorganisation Act and its discriminatory attitude towards the State.
Bandh observed
In a related development, bandh was obseved in the State in response to the call given by the struggle committee for achieving the SCS. It was supported by the Left parties, the TDP and the Congress. In March 2018, the CM, his Cabinet colleagues, and TDP MLAs attended the Assembly wearing black badges.
‘Publicity stunt’
Terming the protest ‘a publicity stunt,’ BJP Floor Leader and Visakhapatnam north MLA P. Vishnu Kumar Raju said he was surprised to see ‘colours other than yellow’ and that those who knew the true extent of the Central government’s assistance would revert to their traditional attire. Ruling party members demanded that Mr. Raju tell which party he planned to join once the BJP’s chapter was closed in the elections. Mr. Raju replied: “Who knows how many TDP MLAs will switch loyalties in the coming days.”
