Oppn forces AP House adjournment over CM's land issue

Hyderabad, Dec 13 (UNI) The Andhra Pradesh Assembly was adjourned today as the opposition stalled the proceedings demanding resignation of Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy over his family's land issue.

As soon as the House assembled, Speaker K R Suresh Reddy announced that he was disallowing adjournment motions given notice of by the TDP, TRS, BJP, CPI and CPI(M) on the surrender of excess lands belonging to the Chief Minister's family members to the government recently.

Immediately, the oppositon party members trooped to the well of the House and demanded that the listed business be set aside and an immediate discussion be allowed on the Chief Minister's reported admission that the land belonging to his family members was surrendered to the government as the possession was in 'violation' of the Land Ceiling Act.

Intervening, Legislative Affairs Minister K Rosiah said the Government was ready for a debate on the issue at any time fixed by the Speaker.

Even as the Speaker assured that he would facilitate a debate on the issue if they brought the matter in some other form, the opposition members continued to stage sit-in protest to press their demand.

As the Speaker's repeated appeals to agitated members fell on deaf ears, he announced adjournment of the House for 30 minutes.

The Speaker also disallowed the adjournment motions given notice of by AIMIM on Wakf Board lands encroachment, BSP on basic amenities in the ST, SC and BC welfare hostels and Samajwadi Party to press for a railway line.

The Speaker later held a meeting with leaders of different parties to sort out the issue.

UNI SM SI ND1008