Hyderabad: Unhappy over disruption of
proceedings of the state Assembly, Andhra Pradesh Chief
Minister K Rosaiah on Wednesday said he was "getting frustrated"
over the manner in which it has been functioning, particularly
in the ongoing Budget Session.
"We are hurting the people's hearts by not allowing
the House to conduct business in a smooth manner. Going by the
happenings in the Assembly, people are increasingly feeling
that all their hopes are being belied by the elected
representatives," Rosaiah observed.
Talking to newsmen in his chamber in the Assembly
after the House was adjourned for the second time due to a din
caused by principal opposition Telugu Desam Party MLAs, the
Chief Minister recalled that opposition parties in the past
used to let the House transact its business and discuss at
length all critical issues.
"In my long political career, I have seen many chief
ministers and leaders of opposition but now there appears to
be a change in the opposition's attitude. There is a danger of
people losing respect in legislatures if the attitude of not
letting the House run continues," Rosaiah cautioned.
He pointed out that crores of rupees were being spent
on the conduct of each session of the legislature. "People
carry a lot of hopes on their elected representatives but with
the House plunging into pandemonium everyday, their hearts
will be hurt," Rosaiah said.
Noting that over 50 percent of the 294 MLAs in the
state were first-timers, the Chief Minister said they were
getting frustrated over the constant disruption of the
proceedings.
"As one close to retirement, even I am getting
frustrated. The mutual blame game between the ruling and the
opposition parties is not correct. People are the best judges
and they are observing everything," Rosaiah said, adding that
he was constantly trying to prevail on the opposition to let
the House run in order.
The Chief Minister said the government was ready to
debate any issue, even if it was contentious, if it was raised
in a proper form in the House.
"We are not shying away from discussion on any subject
but we only want the opposition to raise it in a proper form
and let the House run smoothly. Otherwise, no debate will be
possible," he asserted.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, March 03, 2010, 18:08