HYDERABAD: On the concluding day of the monsoon session of the state Legislature, there was a stark contrast between the functioning of both the Houses.
If the Lower House continued to witness unruly scenes and bedlam as the YSRC stuck to its guns over special status issue for the third consecutive day forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House sine die, the Upper House became evidence to some emotional scenes as Leader of the House Chandrababu Naidu tried to give some tips to the members over how to mould their political career and maintain good contacts with people.
If the Assembly as usual became a battlefield for the Opposition, in contrast to it, the Council acted as an eyewitness to some historic moments as members tried to take selfies with chief minister Naidu as it was the last session of the AP Legislature in Hyderabad.
Even as all the members were attentively hearing his speech, Naidu took a walk down the memory lane and recalled his association with the Council Hall, saying,
“I entered this hall as minister way back in 1980. Now, I am winding up this session, which is last one in Hyderabad. Next sessions will be held in Amaravati. Hence, these are nostalgic moments for me,” he said.
Naidu took the opportunity to narrate his experience in both the Houses during his vast political career, spanning over 40 years to the members.
“I still remember the atmosphere in the House. Those incidents I can never forget. These buildings remind me of my political journey and the days I spent here from the initial days of my political career,” he said.
“Don’t think that mere development will help us in winning the elections. Even our body language and our behaviour towards people also play a key role in deciding the electoral fortunes of contesting candidates. I am saying this out of my experience,” Naidu told the members.
He said simplicity should be hallmark of a politician’s life as this will make any politician remain role model for others.
“I lead a simple life. I eat Ragi malt as breakfast. In the afternoon, I eat the same dish along with an egg white omelet as lunch. Evening, I take a fruit. For supper, dry fruits and some soup.”
“Now-a-days, I am eating fish as per doctors’ advice. As I am maintaining this strict regimen, followed by yoga, I remain perfectly fit,” Naidu explained.
“Moreover, I have chosen a profession which I like, that is, serving people. Hence, I never get tired, despite working all through the day. See now, the time is 2.30 p.m., I am not hungry. I want to continue the session,” he said.
When Naidu said it was the last sitting of the AP Assembly in Hyderabad, Council chairman A Chakrapani requested Naidu to have group photo with all the members.
In this melee, Chakrapani forgot to announce the session sine die. But when he was reminded of the slip by his staff, he adjourned the House sine die.