Naidu, 21 other TDP MLAs suspended from AP assembly for the day

Hyderabad, Mar 28 (UNI) TDP president and leader of the Opposition N Chandrababu Naidu and 21 other TDP members were suspended from the Andhra Pradesh Assembly for the day for disrupting proceedings over the Babli issue today.

After three adjournments, TDP members continued to remain in the well of the house and disrupted the proceedings, demanding immediate discussion on the 'illegal' construction of Babli and 11 other irrigation projects by Maharashtra.

Suspended members included TDP legislature party deputy leader T Devendra Goud and N Janardhan Reddy, former Speaker Y Ramakrishnudu and former ministers Uma Madhav Reddy.

As TDP members continued to stall proceedings even after repeated pleas, Speaker K R Suresh Reddy named the members. Following this, Legislative Affairs Minister K Rosaiah moved the resolution for their suspension, which was adopted by voice vote.

Soon after the suspension, Mr Naidu told reporters outside the Assembly that his party would raise the issue in Parliament and also stage protests in New Delhi to pressurise the UPA government to intervene and direct the Maharashtra Government to stop the project.

He said his party was cooperating with the state government by taking part in the all-party delegation announced by Chief Minister Y Rajasekhara Reddy.

Mr Naidu alleged the Chief Minister was interested only in saving his chair and not in public welfare and that is why he was not putting enough pressure on the UPA government for intervention.

Earlier, the house was adjourned thrice over the same issue.

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