It was chaos with capital B. Right from the start, Andhra Pradesh Assembly plunged into chaos on Thursday on the topic of the discussion about the location of the new capital. YSR Congress members forced adjournment of the house three times in the space of two hours. During the day most outrageous scenes marred the session with sharp exchanges between the banks of the opposition and treasury.
Members tried to score a point on the other side with witty and often sarcastic comments. The crisis led to the speaker, Kodela Sivaprasad Rao, postponing question hour and declaring the demands of various departments deemed to have been moved. Earlier, the President annulled an adjournment motion moved by the Opposition seeking discussion on the subject.
However, a determined opposition stood firm and insisted on discussion followed by the statement of the Chief Minister and then vote. The government also stood firm and said the ysrc could not 'dictate Chair' and set the agenda. Members remain furious ysrc trooped into the well of the house at regular intervals holding placards and raising slogans demanding justice.
It is unfair, says Jagan
"The Prime Minister will make a statement. Thereafter can discuss, make suggestions and seek clarification., But can not dictate the House," the president told members ysrc.
Leader of the Opposition, Jaganmohan Reddy, saw no point in holding discussions after the Prime Minister made a statement. He recalled how the debate is conducted when the state was carved out of Madras in 1953 That time 'muhurat' approached the Opposition could not be demolished. "Is there democracy in the House?" He asked.
At this juncture, a remark by the Minister of Legislative Affairs, Y. Ramakrishnudu triggered noisy scenes again. "The house has no democracy but Jaganocracy" he joked. Jyothula Nehru (ysrc) demanded an apology from Mr Ramakrishnudu for insulting the opposition leader. The President undertook to examine the records and delete non-parliamentary comments, if any, made by the Minister of Legislative Affairs.
Mr. Ramakrishnudu said that what he said was not unparliamentary. The House would work according to the rules and regulations. If members of the opposition wanted to continue as wanted then they could do it in 'Lotus Pond,' he said.
In the din that followed someone commented on Mr. Ramakrishnudu become a minister through the 'back door. "Treasury Banks replied saying that prime ministers, Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh were also members of Rajya Sabha. Mr. Ramakrishnudu was a six-time MLA and knew what he was talking about, they said.
Members ysrc created a flutter in the House showing banners proclaiming "Rajadhani kadu Real Estate, Real Rajadhani Kavali" and "kadu Rajadhanai Nara Narayana, navyandhra rajadhanai Kavali".
Labour Minister Atchan Naidu said the government had chosen the capital region after careful reflection. "You can not expect to reach the capital where he has purchased the land," he remarked.
Ysrc members stood and moved to the well of the house when the Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu stood up to the long awaited return at 11.10 blows amid the desks of lawmakers from the ruling party, Mr . Naidu announced location of the capital city near Vijayawada. The statement triggered a new round of protests leading to adjournment of the House for the third time.
