Telangana hampers AP Budget Session

Hyderabad, Feb 23: The Telangana issue rocked the Budget session of Andhra Pradesh Assembly for the fifth day On Wednesday, Feb 23. As the TDP, TRS, CPI and BJP members continued to disrupt proceedings demanding a resolution seeking separate statehood.

Furthermore, Congress MLAs loyal to rebel leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy too were on their feet on the fee reimbursement issue, leaving the government further embarrassed.

The House was adjourned thrice this morning as the Telangana protagonists remained adamant on their demand for a resolution on the statehood issue.

While the TRS MLAs mobbed the Speaker's podium holding placards and raising ''Jai Telangana'' slogans, the TDP members from the region too raised the issues standing at their respective seats.

With no sign of order, Deputy Speaker Nadendla Manohar adjourned the House twice in the morning.

He spoke to floor leaders of various parties to break the impasse but to no avail.

When the House re-assembled after the second adjournment, the Jagan-loyal Congress MLAs became vociferous and took exception to the government's indifferent attitude even as the former MP's hunger-strike entered the sixth day.

Meanwhile, the CPI members trooped into the Well of the House raising the Telangana issue.

With chaos reigning, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the proceedings for the third time.

PTI