TDP singled out as opposition parties show keenness for RS to function

The TDP, which was at the forefront of disrupting the Rajya Sabha during the last session Parliament, got singled out on the first day of the Monsoon Session as other opposition parties expressed their keen desire to allow the House to function.

The TDP's predicament became evident today during a meeting of leaders called by Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu in his chamber.

The meeting was held soon after Naidu adjourned the House when TDP members Y S Chowdary and C M Ramesh insisted on taking up their notice for discussion on implementation of the AP Reorganisation Act.

Sources said that in the meeting, several opposition leaders expressed concern over the non- functioning of the House in the last two sessions, the "devaluation of legislators" and other opposition parties missing out on cornering the government over various issues of concern to them.

After TDP leader Y S Chowdary spoke emotionally about what he described was an injustice to Andhra Pradesh, he stressed that his party was left with no option but to protest in both Houses of Parliament to force the government to give some assurance and commitment.

During the meeting, opposition leaders said it was the government which would benefit if the House did not function and that was what happened during the last session as the TDP and Tamil parties disrupted the House for the entire session.

They said a better way would have been to force a proper discussion about the TDP's concerns but then most opposition parties would support the TDP which could expose the central government.

The sources said the opposition leaders also voiced concern over losing out on their share of opportunities to raise their own concerns which was not fair.

On Chowdary's demand for certain commitments by the government, the leaders said it would not be possible for any legislature, whether in Parliament or in states, to force the government to commit to anything and the best option would be for the opposition to expose and corner it over its failure to deliver on the promises made by it, the sources said.

Among the opposition leaders who attended today's meet were Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ramgopal Yadav (SP), Sukhendu Sekhar Ray (TMC), Tiruchi Siva (DMK) and T K Rangarajan (CPM).