Stalemate in Andhra Pradesh assembly ends

Hyderabad, Mar 25: The eight-day stalemate in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly over a united Opposition''s demand for constitution of a Joint Legislature Committee (JLC) to probe the land allotments for industries ended today with the Government finally giving in.

At the same time, the Opposition, too, climbed a step down from its stand and agreed to discuss, in the House tomorrow, the irregularities in allotment of lands for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the state.

Officiating Speaker Nadendla Manohar succeeded in breaking the deadlock, that had left the Assembly proceedings totally paralysed for seven days, as the Budget session was left with only four more working days.

Major Industries Minister J Geeta Reddy and Revenue Minister N Raghuveera Reddy assured the House that the demand for constitution of a JLC or a House Committee would be considered if the Opposition was not satisfied with the Government's response to the debate.

They requested the Opposition parties to narrow down the debate to two or three issues so that the government could come up with a proper response.

After taking the views of all parties, Manohar announced that he would permit a discussion in the House tomorrow on the issue of land allocation to SEZs.

Earlier in the day, the House was adjourned twice as the TDP members stalled the proceedings demanding a JLC.

The officiating Speaker then held a meeting with floor leaders of all parties as well as the Government to break the deadlock. A lot of behind-the-scenes lobbying was also done by Government Chief Whip Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka after which the Opposition agreed to let the House function.

Meanwhile, the Opposition members continued to raise their demand for constituting a JLC in the Legislative Council.

The Major Industries Minister, however, asserted that the issue should be debated first. But the Opposition members were adamant on their demand.

As the stalemate continued, Council Chairman A Chakrapani adjourned the House for the day.

PTI