Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker Condemns YSRCP Protest During Governor's Budget Address
In a stern rebuke, Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker C Ayyanna Patrudu expressed profound anguish over the conduct of YSRCP members during Governor S Abdul Nazeer's address at the opening of the budget session. The speaker strongly urged all legislators to uphold the dignity and time-honored traditions of the legislative house, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining decorum.
Speaker Takes Strong Objection to Protest and Walkout
Speaking during the question hour, Speaker Patrudu took strong objection to the YSRCP MLAs staging a protest and executing a walkout shortly after Governor Nazeer began his speech. The speaker observed that while spirited debate and dissent are fundamental components of legislative democracy, actions that undermine the assembly's prestige—especially in the presence of invited guests, including school students—were entirely unacceptable.
"I invited students from various schools to witness the proceedings so that they could learn about democratic processes. But what message do we send them with such behaviour?" Patrudu asked, voicing deep disappointment that impressionable young minds might form a negative view of legislators and parliamentary proceedings. He added that while members may not always elevate the house's stature, they certainly had no right to diminish it in public perception.
Details of the YSRCP Protest and Underlying Grievances
The protest by YSRCP members, led by party chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, involved slogans being raised inside the House and a coordinated walkout just minutes into the governor's address. The legislators voiced their discontent primarily over two key issues: the denial of official opposition status to their party and ongoing concerns regarding law and order in the state.
This demonstration disrupted the formal proceedings and drew sharp criticism from the speaker, who highlighted the broader implications of such actions on democratic institutions.
Appeal for Introspection and Respect for Legislative Customs
Speaker Patrudu appealed to all members of the assembly to introspect and consistently respect the decorum and customs of the legislature. He stressed that actions taken within the House directly influence public trust in democratic institutions and set powerful examples for young observers who are invited to learn about governance and civic responsibility.
Later, in a constructive follow-up, the speaker interacted with the school students who attended the session and took feedback from them. The students expressed their gratitude for being given the unique opportunity to witness legislative proceedings firsthand, highlighting the educational value of such experiences despite the disruptions.
Broader Context and Implications
The incident underscores ongoing political tensions in Andhra Pradesh, particularly between the ruling party and the YSRCP. The speaker's remarks reflect a growing concern over the erosion of parliamentary norms and the potential long-term impact on public faith in democratic processes. By emphasizing the need for dignity and tradition, Patrudu's address serves as a reminder of the foundational principles that sustain legislative bodies and their role in a functioning democracy.
