RS briefly adjourns over TDP's demands for Andhra package

The Rajya Sabha today witnessed a brief adjournment on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, after TDP members sought an immediate debate on their demand for a special package for Andhra Pradesh.

Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu agreed to take up the matter tomorrow or day after.

As soon as the ministers laid the listed papers during the Zero Hour, C M Ramesh (TDP) was on his feet demanding a discussion on the Andhra Pradesh issue.

Naidu said he has received notices for suspension of rules for discussing various issues from several members including Ramesh.

The Chairman said he has rejected the suggestion of suspension of bussiness to take up the discussion.

Instead, he said he has converted the notices in Zero Hour mentions, barring the notice given by Ramesh.

Ramesh, the Chair said, has given a notice on a very important issue and a detailed short-duration discussion would be held on the issue "may be" tomorrow or the day after.

However, Ramesh insisted that the discussion should start immediately.

To this, Naidu said for a discussion, the Minister concerned should be ready.

Ramesh again suggested that the discussion should start immediately as the Andhra Pradesh issue was not new.

Congress MP K V P Ramachandra Rao from Andhra Pradesh raised a banner. When Naidu objected to it, he withdrew it.

As the TDP member again sought a discussion, Naidu adjourned the House till noon.

When the proceedings resumed, Ramesh insisted that the Chair should start the debate immediately.

TDP leader Y S Choudhary demanded a four-hour discussion on the matter and a committment from the government on the Andhra issue.

But the Chairman said: "I have not admitted your notice. You cannot dictate to me, Mr Ramesh. All matters were discussed with opposition leaders. ...Don't deprive members of their right (ask question)."