HYDERABAD: The Andhra Pradesh Assembly on Saturday passed the AP Appropriation Bill, 2014 without any debate with the leader of the opposition YS Jaganmohan Reddy adamant on speaking over the resolution on reservations for Backward classes.
Even after finance minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu introduced the Appropriation Bill in the House, the discussion, which normally takes place, did not happen, with Jagan insisting on speaking on BC reservation issue even after the resolution was passed. Jagan said, despite his repeated appeals, he was ignored and not given a chance and said he will not yield ground till he made his point. This led to arguments between him, Speaker K Sivaprasad Rao and legislative affairs minister Yanamala Ramakrishudu with opposition staging a demonstration in the Well of the House.
Jagan demanded to know why the matter regarding resolution on BC reservation was not included in the agenda of the House for the day. Jagan while questioning the motives of the ruling party, wondered why the government was not allowing the Opposition to speak on an important subject. At that point Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu asked Jagan not to blame the Speaker or the government for his ignorance over the rule position.
Stating that the Chief Minister had forgotten the difference between statement and resolution, Jagan said discussion and voting should be done and to make a resolution prior notice should be given.
With Yanamala stating that it was his Constitutional obligation to have the Appropriation Bill passed and that a resolution once passed cannot be reopened, Jagan said the government is bulldozing Opposition with regard to statements and resolutions.
Yanamal said Jagan was insulting the House by casting aspersions on the Chair. Even as Jagan was trying to make his point, the Speaker announced the Appropriation Bill was moved and put it to voice vote.
Stating that the Bill was passed, he adjourned the House sine die. Earlier in the day, the House commenced with Speaker Kodela disallowing adjournment motion moved by Opposition seeking discussion on farm subsidy, stating that it was already discussed during debate on agriculture budget.
After the Question Hour and Zero Hour, the Speaker announced that CAG reports and other papers were deemed tabled. The Chief Minister moved a resolution requesting the Centre to provide 33.33 per cent reservation to backward classes (BCs) in the Parliament as well as the state legislatures.