A year-long suspension from the House imposed on YSR Congress Party member Roja rocked the Andhra Pradesh Assembly on Saturday. With this, the House was adjourned to Monday without Question Hour for the third consecutive day.
As soon as the House began, Leader of the Opposition Y S Jaganmohan Reddy raised the issue of Roja’s suspension and protested that a year-long suspension was totally against the rules. He also demanded an answer from the government under what which rule the YSRCP member was suspended for one year.
Responding to the query of the Leader of the Opposition, Legislative Affairs Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu said the suspension of Roja was not taken by one member. The august House has authority to suspend members who use foul language and unruly behaviour. The decision on Roja’s suspension was taken under the rights of the Assembly. He also made it clear that even the judiciary has no right to question the decisions of the Legislature. On this Speaker Kodela Sivaprasada Rao also gave a ruling.
Later, BJP member Vishnukumar Raju said year-long suspension of YSRCP member Roja from the House was painful. He appealed to the Speaker to curtail the suspension period on Roja till the expiry of the current session. If such drastic decisions are taken by the ruling party in the House, there will be no chance of any Opposition member remaining in the House, he observed. Responding to this, the Legislative Affairs Minister condemned Vishnukumar Raju’s remarks.
The YSRCP members did not relent even after Yanamala Ramakrishnudu gave an explanation on Roja’s suspension for a year. Alleging that Roja was suspended against rules and democratic principles, the Leader of the Opposition made it clear that they would not allow the House to transact business until suspension on his party member was revoked. He once again demanded the Treasury Benches under what rule Roja was suspended for a year. He also alleged that the government was keen on paralyzing the House with ill-intentions. Jagan also brought to the notice of the Speaker that Roja was not allowed to enter the Assembly premises by the police.
Responding to Jagan’s query, the Speaker clarified that any member under suspension should not enter the Assembly premises. The Speaker also asked whether the members openly declaring they would not allow the proceedings to go on is a good practice.
Six Bills presented
Later, the government introduced six bills in the Assembly. They are: Basic Amenities Development Amendment Bill, Electricity Tariff Bill, Maritime Board Bill on Development of Ports, Value Added Tax Bill, Foreign Liquor Amendment Bill. These bills were introduced in the House with the permission of the Speaker amidst slogans by the Opposition members. (NSS)