Andhra Pradesh Speaker C Ayyannapatrudu Urges MLAs to Maintain House Prestige Amid Disruptions

C Ayyannapatrudu, Speaker of the Andhra Pradesh Assembly, stresses that while enhancing the House's prestige may be challenging, undermining it is unacceptable. His comments follow disruptions during a budget session, highlighting the need for legislators to reflect on their conduct in front of students invited to foster civic awareness.

Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker C Ayyannapatrudu expressed concern over legislators' actions during the budget session. He stated that while they might not always succeed in enhancing the House's prestige, they should not undermine it. His comments followed disruptions by YSRCP legislators during Governor S Abdul Nazeer's speech, which included sloganeering and tearing papers.

The Speaker highlighted his disappointment, noting that students were present to observe the proceedings. "We should keep in mind, whatever we do, it's okay if we do not elevate the prestige of the House, but we do not have the right to undermine it. Everybody should remember this," he said. Students from various schools were invited to promote civic awareness.

Legislators' Conduct and Public Perception

Ayyannapatrudu questioned what impression the students would form after witnessing such behaviour. He warned that a negative perception could be difficult to change. "I invited them to form a favourable view of legislators, but with our behaviour, what will those students learn? What will they think of us?" he asked.

Reflecting on the opposition's actions, he urged all members to introspect. "Those responsible need to look inward. I appeal to them through this House," he added. The Speaker's remarks came after YSRCP legislators, led by Jagan Mohan Reddy, boycotted the House and staged a walkout on Wednesday.

Investment Initiatives in Andhra Pradesh

In the Legislative Council, IT Minister Nara Lokesh discussed efforts to attract companies to Andhra Pradesh. He noted that the state secured 25.3% of India's total investments. Defending land allocation at Rs 0.99 per acre in Visakhapatnam for select companies, he described it as a strategic move to boost investment.

Lokesh emphasised creating a sustainable ecosystem in Visakhapatnam, stating that these are credible, large-scale companies and not just on paper. "An ecosystem should be built for sustenance. These are not paper companies; they are all credible, large-scale players," he said.

He mentioned that five companies received land at Rs 0.99 per acre, which is expected to create over 60,000 jobs. This initiative aims to foster economic growth and development in the region.

Following these discussions, Deputy Speaker K Raghurama Krishna Raju adjourned the Assembly until Friday.

With inputs from PTI