Naidu withdraws remarks against Deputy Speaker

Hyderabad, Apr 2 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Leader of Opposition N Chandrababu Naidu tonight withdrew his ''objectionable'' remarks against Deputy Speaker G Kuthuhalamma.

The Deputy Speaker expressed that she felt insulted like ''Draupathi in the Kauvrava Sabha'' Upset with Ministers exceeding the time limit, fixed for them by Speaker K R Suresh Reddy for reply to the no-confidence motion moved by him, Mr Naidu asked her to withdraw from the Chair and pressed for the Speaker's return to sort out the issue.

Soon, TDP members raising slogans rushed to the Speaker's podium and disrupted the proceedings leading to adjournment of the House.

When the House reassembled after an hour, Municipal Administration Minister K Ranga Rao and Smallscale Industries Minister G Surya Rao demanded an apology from Mr Naidu for allegedly ''heaping insults'' on a woman deputy speaker belonging to the Dalit community.

Later, Major Industries Minister J Geeta Reddy pressed for an unconditional apology from Mr Naidu.

Mr Naidu first asked the Speaker to view the electronic recording of the proceedings, maintaining that he had not uttered anything objectionable against the Deputy Speaker and was ready for any punishment.

Later, Mr Naidu said he was withdrawing his remarks if the Deputy Speaker felt that she was hurt.

He also said he had brought Ms Kuthuhalamma into politics and had regard for the Dalit community. Also, he had made Mr G M C Balayogi as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha in the past and Ms Pratibha Bharati as the Speaker of the State Assembly when the TDP was in power in the state.

Later, replying to the debate on the no confidence motion, Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy praised the Deputy Speaker for her patience.

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