AP: Naidu, 21 TDP MLAs suspended from House

Hyderabad, July 23: Andhra Pradesh Opposition Leader N Chandrababu Naidu and 21 other TDP MLAs were suspended from the Assembly for Question Hour this morning, when they stalled the proceedings to protest against the arrest of TDP MLAs, who were on their way to Obulapuram Mines site.

The TDP members continued to disrupt the proceedings of the House, when the Assembly met again after Speaker K R Suresh Reddy adjourned it for a brief period.

As repeated appeals by the Speaker to the TDP members to take their seats fell on deaf ears, the Speaker named the members following which Agriculture Minister N Raghuveera Reddy moved the resolution for their suspension.

The resolution was adopted by a voice vote.

Mr Naidu protested against his suspension even though he did not stall the proceedings.

Marshals, who were summoned by the Speaker, removed the agitating TDP members.

The TDP members demanded cancellation of Mining lease granted to Karnataka Legislative Council Member G Janardhana Reddy, who had obtained permission from the state government to set up a Brahmani Steel Plant in Kadapa District.

The CPI and CPI(M) led by their party floor leaders Chada Venkata Reddy and Nomula Narasimhaiah staged a walkout to protest against the ''undemocratic'' suspension of TDP members and the government's refusal to arrange for a visit for the leaders of all the parties to the Obulapuram mines. Legislative Affairs Minister K Rosaiah took strong objection to the Opposition members' protest and made it clear that the government was ready to issue a statement on the issue.

Mr Rosaiah said the government was ready for a free and frank discussion on any issue in the House.

UNI