Andhra Pradesh Assembly goes the Parliament way

The winter session of the state Legislative Assembly is going the Parliament way. Even on Monday, the third day of the six-day session, the House was adjourned without conducting the day’s business.

Parliament, which could not conduct a single day's business in the last 23 days, was adjourned sine die today.

Like in the case of first two days, the issue of withdrawal of cases against students who participated in the pro- and anti-Telangana agitations rocked the House as soon as it was assembled. Following this, the House was adjourned for 15 minutes. As the furore continued even after the House was reassembled, it was adjourned for the second time and finally for the day.

Meanwhile, home minister P Sabitha Indra Reddy said a total of 1,660 cases were filed against 8,047 persons in connection with the agitations. Of this, 565 cases filed against 2,436 students had been withdrawn.

Making a statement in the House, she said the cases were classified into two categories — simple and serious offences. The simple cases included, among other things, violation of prohibitory orders, attempt to commit suicide and insulting national leaders. The serious ones involved destruction of public and private properties and assault on public servants.

The home minister said all simple cases would be withdrawn keeping in view the future of the students. Withdrawal of other cases would be considered basing on the nature and seriousness of the offence.

Members of the Opposition, who wanted withdrawal of all cases, were not satisfied with her statement and amidst their protests the House was adjourned for the day.

Chandrababu arrestedTelugu Desam Party president and leader of the Opposition in the House N Chandrababu Naidu was arrested when he staged a dharna in front of the Assembly premises. He was protesting against the arrest of farmer leaders and legislators earlier. The farmer leaders came to make a representation to Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy. However, they were prevented from meeting the chief minister. In protest, they staged a dharna leading to their arrest. Later, legislators of the Opposition parties staged a dharna protesting against the arrest of farmer leaders and they too were taken into custody.