Kiran wants debate procedure defined

Both Houses will meet from Jan. 3 to 10 and again from Jan. 16 to 23 after a five-day break

The winter session of the State legislature was given a fortnight-long break on Thursday after a complete washout of the debate on the A. P. Reorganisation Bill though it was referred by the President for consideration a week ago.

Adding to the delay, a twist was given by Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy when he sought a direction from Council Chairman A. Chakrapani on the procedure to be adopted for a discussion on the State reorganisation Bill.

At the same time, he made an appeal to break the logjam by starting the discussion in tune with the laid down procedure and past conventions. Mr. Reddy noted that the Speaker and the Chairman did not give clarity yet on how the discussion should proceed. He passed on to the Chair a copy each of the Bihar Reorganisation Bill, 1998, and Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Bill for his guidance. Noisy scenes created by Telangana and Seemandhra MLAs over bifurcation of the State ensured that no business was conducted in the Assembly and Legislative Council for the fifth consecutive day. As earlier, Telangana MLAs were unrelenting in their demand for an immediate debate on the Reorganisation Bill, 2013 while those from Seemandhra wanted discussion on their resolution to keep the State integrated. Both Houses were adjourned to meet again on January 3. According to the schedule circulated to the members, the Assembly will meet from January 3 to 10 and again from January 16 to 23 after a five-day break for Sankranti. January 23 is the deadline for returning the Bill to the Centre.

Yanamala objects

When the Chief Minister intervened in the Council, the Leader of Opposition Yanamala Ramakrishnudu (TDP) objected to his reference to the UP and Bihar Bills.

But, Mr. Reddy clarified that he gave only a gist of those Bills to inform the members about the procedure followed by the other Houses.

Even as Mr. Ramakrishnudu requested the Chairman to give the schedule for discussion on the Bill, the TDP, YSR Congress and teacher-members rushed to the podium and pressed for a resolution on integrated State while those from Telangana insisted on a discussion.

Amid the confusion, the Chairman adjourned the House.

In the Assembly, TDP, TRS and BJP members from Telangana staged a sit-in in the Assembly after Mr. Manohar wound up the day’s proceedings. The dharna continued till late in the evening. The Speaker chided YSR Congress members when they displayed a cauliflower and asked:“Are we getting elected for this?”