Furore in AP assembly continues

HYDERABAD: The political furore over Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy's personal remarks against TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu rocked the state assembly for the second day today, leading to suspension of 34 TDP members for the day after they stalled the proceedings demanding Chief Minister's apology.

A combative Opposition kept up the pressure and insisted on withdrawal of the remarks made by Reddy yesterday in the midst of frayed tempers over the alleged illegal mining activity in Anantapur district by a company owned by Chief Minister's family friend and Karnataka MLC, G Janardhan Reddy.

As soon as the House assembled for the day, the slogan-shouting TDP members stormed the podium and squatted there. Speaker K R Suresh Reddy said the matter would be taken up for discussion after the Question Hour and repeatedly appealed to the agitated members to resume their seats.

Amidst the din, the Speaker initially adjourned the House for 10 minutes. However, the furore showed no signs of subsiding when the House re-assembled with the Opposition members refusing to budge from their position.

Agriculture Minister N Raghuveera Reddy then moved a resolution, under rule 340, seeking suspension of 34 TDP members for the day including its deputy floor leaders T Devender Goud and N Janardhan Reddy. Naidu was not present in the House.

Soon after the TDP members left the House, the Chief Minister got up and made it clear that there was nothing wrong in the remarks made yesterday.

"I did not denigrate Naidu's mother nor did I make any derogatory reference to mothers in general. I have great respect and regard for mothers. The TDP leaders are deliberately twisting my remarks," Reddy said.