Oppn parties disrupt proceedings in AP Assembly

Hyderabad, Feb 18 (UNI) The main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) today stalled the proceedings in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly, demanding an immediate discussion on the Devadula irrigation project pipe burst and the visit of Congress President Sonia Gandhi to get to know of the ''substandard works'' taken up under the prestigious ''Jalayaganam'' programme by the Congress Government in the state.

The trouble started as soon as Speaker K R Suresh Reddy disallowed the adjournment motion notices by the TDP, CPI and CPI(M) on the issue.

Soon the opposition party members were on their feet, pressing for the adjournment of the listed business for the day and an immediate discussion on the prestigious issue.

Even as the Speaker suggested to the agitated members to raise the issue during the discussion on the motion of thanks to the Governor's address or on the budget later, TDP members rushed to the well of the House, raising slogans against the Government.

Legislative Affairs Minister K Rosaiah took strong objection to TDP Legislature Party Deputy Leader N Janardhan Reddy's demand that Ms Gandhi visit the state to see first hand how the irrigation initiative was being implemented by the Congress Government.

After plunging the House into pandemonium for over 20 minutes, the TDP members resumed their seats following repeated assurance from the Speaker that he would ensure that the Government makes a statement on the issue.

The Speaker also disallowed the adjournment motion notice of the AIMIM on the Krishna III phase drinking water project and by the Janata Party member K Ramulu on the need for setting up a bench of the Supreme Court in Hyderabad.

UNI SM VA PJ DS1640