Speaker expunges 'objectionable' remarks by CM

Hyderabad, Feb 13 (UNI) 'Objectionable' remarks made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today against Leader of the Opposition N Chandrababu Naidu were expunged by Speaker K R Suresh Reddy after agitated TDP members stalled the proceedings in the Assembly.

The main opposition TDP, TRS and the CPI(M) staged separate walkouts, demanding a high-level judicial probe into alleged irregularities in recuritment of teachers in the Chief Minister's native Kadapa district and also in other districts.

Irked by the opposition making 'baseless' allegations against the Government based on a report in a particular vernacular daily, which was bent upon tarnishing the Government's image, the Chief Minister found fault with Mr Naidu and made some objectionable remarks.

Following this, the TDP members plunged the House into bedlam demanding the Chief Minister to withdraw his remarks.

The Speaker restored order in the House, ruling that any unparliamentary references either by the ruling or opposition party members during the course of discussion would not go on record.

Explaining the circumstances under which he was forced to make such a remark, Dr Reddy said he only meant that he was leaving to the wisdom of Mr Naidu, who had been the Chief Minister for nine long years, whether it was proper for him to make such a 'baseless' allegation against him without giving proper notice as per assembly rules, based on a report in a 'partisan' newspaper.

Instead of appreciating the Government for unearthing irregularites, the Opposition was resorting to mud slinging on the Government, Dr Reddy lamented.

Referring to various probes ordered into omissions and commissions of the previous TDP Government, Mr Naidu opined that the Government was adopting different yardsticks, one for the opposition party members and another for ruling party members. If a particular paper showered encomiums on the government it was a good daily but on the contrary if a newspaper pinpointed the lapses it was bad, he added.

Earlier, replying to a question from G S S Sivaji and other TDP members, School Education Minister N Rajyalakshmi admitted that tampering of answersheets was found in Kadapa district and four teachers and one deputy education officer found to be responsible were suspended.

The accused had been arrested and further investigations were on.

The District Educational Officer, Kadapa, was also suspended, pending inquiry.

UNI