Andhra Pradesh: YSRC MLAs walk out over SC-ST welfare, loan waiver issues

HYDERABAD: The YSR Congress today staged a walkout from Andhra Pradesh Assembly on two occasions during Question Hour, protesting the "government's apathy" in implementing welfare programmes for SCs and STs and failure to keep its promise on loan waiver to weavers.

The issue of funds allocation for social welfare came up for discussion during the Question Hour.

Intervening in the discussion, Leader of Opposition YS Jaganmohan Reddy alleged that adequate funds were not being allotted for the welfare of SCs and STs, though sub-plans were drafted.

Even the MGNREGA was being watered down as funds meant for the scheme were diverted for other purposes.

Protesting this, Jagan led his MLAs out of the House.

In the second instance, the YSRC leader said the promised loan waiver for weavers was not implemented, nor were subsidies distributed.

"The government claims to have released Rs 110 crore for loan waiver, but in reality no weaver loans were waived. In Dharmavaram in Anantapuram district alone, 12 weavers committed suicide due to distress," Jagan alleged.

Protesting the government's indifference to the weavers' plight, Jagan again led his MLAs out of the Assembly.