Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council Erupts in Chaos Over Rayalaseema Irrigation Debate
The Andhra Pradesh legislative council witnessed unprecedented turmoil on Thursday as a heated discussion regarding the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme devolved into a full-blown confrontation. The session was marked by intense verbal exchanges, loud protests, and even a near-physical altercation between members, leading to two separate adjournments by the Chairman.
Debate Ignites Over Suspension of Irrigation Works
The conflict ignited when YSRCP MLC Ramasubba Reddy launched a sharp critique against the government, accusing it of neglecting the drought-prone Rayalaseema region by suspending works on the crucial irrigation scheme. His comments immediately provoked strong reactions from the treasury benches, with minister Atchannaidu firing back by questioning the opposition's motives and alleging that the issue was being politicized for electoral gains.
Irrigation minister Nimmala Ramanaidu further intensified the attack by reminding the House that the National Green Tribunal had halted the project back in 2020. He pointedly demanded answers, asking, "Who was the Chief Minister then? Why did the previous government stop the works and later shift the blame?" Ramanaidu also alleged that nearly ₹900 crore had been expended without any meaningful progress and accused the earlier regime of failing to complete other vital irrigation projects, including the Chitravati project.
Protests and Adjournment as Tensions Soar
These allegations triggered vehement protests from YSRCP members, who accused the minister of engaging in political attacks instead of providing direct responses to their queries. Amid escalating slogan-shouting and counter-allegations, Council Chairman Koyye Moshen Raju was forced to adjourn the House temporarily in an effort to restore order.
However, tensions flared once again when proceedings resumed. Opposition Leader Botsa Satyanarayana accused the irrigation minister of delivering a political speech rather than addressing substantive issues. In the ensuing commotion, BJP MLC Somu Veerraju attempted to speak, prompting YSRCP members to rush towards him aggressively. Ministers Anitha and Gottipati Ravikumar swiftly intervened to shield Veerraju as tempers reached a boiling point.
With the situation spiraling out of control and parliamentary decorum completely collapsing, the Chairman had no choice but to adjourn the House for a second time, bringing the turbulent and dramatic session to an abrupt and chaotic close.
