AP power reform bill passed amid bedlam

Almost all the 50 members belonging to the Congress, CPI, CPM, BJP, MIM and NTR-TDP were physically removed from the House after hour-long dharnas, sit-in demonstrations and slogan shouting. A member of the Congress and another belonging to the CPM suffered minor injuries in the scuffle with the marshals.

This is the first time in the recent past that the entire Opposition members were suspended. At one stage,it appeared that the situation was going out of control as Opposition members rushed towards treasury benches. In a counter offensive, TDP members including some ministers moved into the well and both groups indulged in violent gesticulations.

As soon as the House met at 9 am, the Opposition members insisted that the House take up discussion on the notices of adjournment given by them questioning the manner in which Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu introduced the Power Reforms Bill in the Assembly yesterday.

Their contention was that the chief minister did not seek the Chair’s permission before introducing the Bill and, therefore, it was not valid. Rejecting the adjournment notices, Speaker Y Ramakrishnudu said that he had verified the records and found that the chief minister had sought leave from the Chair to move the Bill.

Angered at his ruling, Congress, CPM and CPI members surrounded the Speaker’s podium and picked up an argument with him. Pandemonium prevailed as some members jeered at treasurybenches. After attempts to restore order and take up question hour proved futile, the Speaker took the extreme step of suspension.