Nandigram issue figures in AP House

Hyderabad, July 20 (UNI) The 'Nandigram issue' had its echo in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly as members of the All India Majilis-E-Itihadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) 'clashed with the Communist Party of India-Marxists (CPI-M), leading to uproarious scenes today.

Members of both the parties had heated exchanges for over 15 minutes after AIMIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi referred to the Nandigram incident to dub the Left parties' stir for land to the poor in the State as ''politically-motivated'' and ''with a motive to extract money from the poor.'' Agitated CPI(M) members rushed to the well of the House as Mr Owaisi, amid thumping of desks by ruling Congress members, found fault with the Marxists for launching a stir for land in Andhra Pradesh at a time when the party-led Government in West Bengal took away land from poor in Nandigram. By promising land and house sites, the Left parties were indulging in a ''money-making racket,'' he alleged.

Demanding an apology from the AIMIM leader, irate CPI(M) members remained in the well of the House and sought the intervention of Speaker K R Suresh Reddy. Mr Owaisi criticised the Left parties for remaining quiet during the TDP regime and launching a stir now with ''ulterior political motives.'' AIMIM members were on their feet to defend their leader.

Coming to the aid of the Speaker, TDP Legislature Party Deputy Leader T Devender Goud advised the AIMIM member not to make damaging charges at the CPI(M), a party with ''credibility'' and a long history of struggle for land.

Agriculture Minister N Raghuveera Reddy, who intervened, claimed that previous Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had accused the Communists of ''instigating'' the poor people, evoking strong protests from TDP members.

UNI