AP CM promises to protect privileges of members

Hyderabad, Mar 3 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today assured the agitated CPI(M) members on the floor of the Assembly that their privileges would be protected.

He gave this assurance when angry CPI(M) members during Zero Hour alleged that the Government officials were ''wantonly'' not including the names of Opposition MLAs in State functions.

Intervening, the Chief Minister said members could draw his attention or that of the Speaker in such situations and promised to take remedial action. The members could seek the Speaker's intervention by giving a notice for any breach of privilege of Legislators and the latter would examine it.

The Speaker pacified the Communist Legislators by asking them to bring to his notice any breach of privilege.

Earlier, an angry CPI(M) floor leader N Narasimaiah reminded the ruling Congress it was because of his party's support at the Centre that the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance Government was continuing in power in spite of violation of the Common Minimum Programme.

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