YSR Congress protests in Lok Sabha over special status to AP

Despite an assurance from the government that a solution will be found to Andhra Pradesh's demand for special status, members of the YSR Congress on Wednesday continued their protest in the Lok Sabha -- the assurance has, however, convinced NDA ally Telugu Desam Party (TDP) to stay away from the demonstration.

As soon as the lower house assembled to begin the day's proceedings and took up the conventional Question Hour, members from YSR Congress, Andhra Pradesh-based regional outfit, trooped near the speaker's podium.

The party members raised slogans like "we want justice" and "give special status to Andhra".

"You continue with the protest despite the statement by the Finance Minister, why do you do that," Speaker Sumitra Mahajan was heard asking the agitating members.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had on Tuesday assured the members that the issue of special status for the southern state was under consideration.

Making a brief intervention amid noisy scenes in the house on Tuesday, Jaitley had said: "The government stands by the commitments it has made in supporting Andhra Pradesh to the fullest. Even today, I have had a word with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and we are trying to find a solution."

However, the YSR Congress lawmakers continued their protest till noon.

TDP leader and union Minister of State for Science and Technology Y.S. Chowdary on Tuesday told reporters that his party will maintain a "wait and watch policy".

--IANS

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