Media boycotts Minister's press meet despite apology offer

Hyderabad, Mar 20 (UNI) Even as Andhra Pradesh Panchayatraj Minister J C Diwakar Reddy told the Assembly today he was ready to apologise if it was proved he had used unparliamentary language against the media following which journalists boycotted his press conference here in protest.

Asserting that his Government and party had the highest regard for the press, Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, intevening during Zero Hour, suggested that the Speaker could direct the concerned Assembly Committee to watch the video recording and see if his Cabinet colleague had said anything unparliamentary.

The Assembly witnessed uproarious scenes with TDP members rushing to the well of the House and stalling proceedings, leading to a brief adjournment by the Speaker. The latter also expunged a personal allegation made by TDP Legislature Party Deputy Leader T Devender Goud and the counter by Agriculture Minister N Raghuveera Reddy.

Meanwhile, journalists, after boycotting Mr Diwakara Reddy's press meet at the committee hall attached to the Assembly, submitted a memorandum to Dr Reddy demanding action against the Minister for his accusation against a reporter of a satellite television channel.

The Chief Minister promised to look into the matter.

Andhra Pradesh Union of Working Journalists members also submitted a memorandum to the leaders of various parties, including TDP President N Chandrababu Naidu, who promised them full support.

(Eds: Here pick up suitably from earlier series) UNI SM AA RL KN2042