Monica Bedi figures in AP Assembly discussion

Hyderabad, Nov 15 (UNI) Monica Bedi, film actress and companion of underworld don Abu Salem, figured during a discussion in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly today.

While seeking a clarification on the arrest of two Kurnool journalists for carrying out a ''sting operation'' to expose lapses in the Congress Government's prestigious housing programme for the weaker sections 'Indiramma Scheme', Leader of the Opposition N Chandrababu Naidu referred to Monica Bedi getting nativity certificate at ease as local Revenue officials had no reservation in giving such a certificate after taking money.

Responding to Mr Naidu's poser, Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy queried as to who was the Chief Minister when she had obtained it.

''It seems Mr Naidu is reading whatever given to him by his party colleagues without applying his mind,'' Dr Reddy remarked.

Mr Naidu gave a copy of the fake nativity certificate issued by a village secretary in Kurnool to show how careless local officials were in the Congress regime.

Earlier, CPI floor leader Venkata Reddy and CPI(M) floor leader N Narasimhaiah also gave copies of fake nativity certificates to expose the lapses in the system. The CPI(M) leader challenged the Congress Government to take action against him.

UNI