A day after the YSR Congress served ‘no-confidence’ notice against Assembly Speaker Kodela Siva Prasada Rao and decided to boycott the proceedings of the House till the issue was taken up for discussion, the latter emphasised the importance of the Opposition, likening it to a “brake” to the vehicle of the ruling party.
When Social Welfare Minister R. Kishore Babu, in his reply to the supplementary queries, said that it was good that the “anarchic opposition” was not there and a volley of good suggestions were being received from the ruling party legislators, the Speaker said: “A meaningful and effective opposition should be there in the House.”
Mr. Kishore Babu also charged the main Opposition (YSRC) with showing disrespect to the Speaker. Later, during a discussion on the drought situation in the State, absence of YSRC legislators in the House evoked criticism from their ruling party counterparts.
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Government whip K. Srinivasulu said it was unfortunate that the opposition just kept it away, after seeking discussion on drought issue under the Rule 344. “Why should the Leader of Opposition and MLAs stay away, if eight of their members were suspended for violating rules? The Leader of Opposition owed an explanation to the people over the issue,” he said.
Earlier, the Speaker said discussion on critical issues could not be postponed, as it was part of the agenda that was finalised long ago and the opposition was aware of it. BJP MLA Vishnukumar Raju said that the opposition had lost an opportunity to debate on important issues and appealed them to attend to the House proceedings from Monday .
Discussion on critical issues can’t be postponed, as it is part of the agenda that was finalised long ago and the opposition is aware of it.
Kodela Siva Prasada Rao,Assembly Speaker