Kiran Kumar Reddy-N Chandrababu Naidu spat during no-trust motion

HYDERABAD The debate on the no-confidence motion against the Kiran Kumar Reddy government in Andhra Pradesh witnessed an acrimonious verbal duel between the chief minister and Opposition leader N Chandrababu Naidu. Initiating the debate, moved by his Telugu Desam Party, Naidu said the Congress government had become a “big joke.” “Our no-confidence is not only against the chief minister but also on the ministers.

This government has lost our confidence to rule,” Naidu remarked, prompting Kumar to retort: “We don't need Chandrababu's confidence. We have people's confidence and hence are in power”. As the Leader of Opposition named the chief minister and made certain remarks about his administration, Reddy retorted, “let us settle the scores now,” provoking an equal reaction from the former.

“You are a nominated chief minister. You got the post by falling on Sonia's feet. You are a ‘sealed-cover CM’ and yours is a spineless leadership,” Naidu charged. “My family (Kiran and his late father Amarnath Reddy) won 12 elections on behalf of Congress since 1962. I have the support of MLAs and the grace of Sonia Gandhi.

You backstabbed your own father-in-law to become the chief minister (in 1995),” the chief minister hit back. “I am a leader on my own. You are a leader at Sonia's mercy. As chief minister you are unable even to go to the public without police protection. Your government has become a big joke in the public,” Naidu taunted the CM.