Opposition YSRC today staged a walk out of the Assembly demanding the revocation of Nagari MLA Roja’s suspension and a thorough debate on the Call Money cum Sex Racket. The Opposition leader YS Jaganmohan Reddy raised these two issues before the house could take up the question hour. When the chair and the government made it clear that it was not possible , Jagan announced that they had no option but to walk out and boycott the Assembly for the remaining session in protest.
The house assembled for the day this morning with chief minister Chandrababu Naidu walking up to Jagan to convey greetings on his birthday today. Later Jaganmohan Reddy, referring to the two subjects- debate on call money sex racket and Roja’s suspension, gave ultimatum to the speaker to reconsider his decision to suspend Nagari MLA Roja for one year. The suspension, he said, was done violating the rules of the House. He said as per the provisions of Schedule 10 of Constitution of India, speaker could consider the decision taken earlier. ” We are requesting the chair to withdraw the suspension of our MLA Roja. Otherwise we have no option but to boycott the House for whole session,” he said.
“Let us work together. There are only two groups in the House, the opposition and treasury benches. The third party, the BJP , has become part of TDP by wearing yellow Khanduva. If the speaker refuses to take back the suspension, we won’t hesitate to take legal recourse as well,” he warned.
Legislative affairs minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu clarified that government could not reconsider the decision of the House. “Nobody can challenge the will of the House. The opposition party is free to approach the court. If they want to boycott, they are at liberty to do it. The decision of suspension can’t be reconsidered, as it was decision of the entire House,” the minister said.
The BJP floor leader P Vishnukumar Raju disminssed the charge that BJP had become part of the TDP. ” True, we are part of the ruling coalition. But, we are an independent party. The charge of the Opposition leader is not acceptable. He (Jagan) should control his language. We too are pained at the one year suspension. But, he threatens that he would boycott the House if speaker refuses to agree to his demand. Its unfair. He can boycott the House, if he wants” he said.
Speaker Kodela also said the decision whether to participate or boycott or approach the court, is prerogative of the opposition party. ” There is a method to approach the House for reconsideration pf the suspension. The opposition can request the house for a review of the decision .But the way your raising the issue in not an appropriate manner,” speaker Kodela said.
Later, Jagan led the walk out, while speaker pleading him to remain in the House as the opposition leader. ” It would be better for you and the people of the state. Please, do sit in the House and participate in the proceedings,” speaker said.
