CM questions tabling of T-Bill, defends Rajagopal

Hyderabad, Feb 13 : Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy has condemned the tabling of Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill in Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Speaking to media persons here, the Chief Minister described the introduction of Bill as undemocratic. He alleged that the UPA Government violated rules, procedures and constitution and years of experience were not applied. “It’s not enough to say we are a largest democracy. We should uphold democratic values,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that the ugly incidents in the Lok Sabha ware the fallout of the Centre’s mishandling of the sensitive issue like State’s bifurcation. He said that the Centre have made mistakes from the start and at every stage. However, he described the incident as very unfortunate.

On the incident of Vijayawada MP Lagadapati Rajagopal using pepper spray in the House, Kiran Kumar Reddy defended the expelled MP and alleged that the former was attacked and beaten up in the House. “I will not comment on what happened the in Lok Sabha. But there is no room for ugly scenes. Let that House decide what happened inside,” he said.

Referring to the trooping into the well of Lok Sabha by Union Ministers from Seemandhra region, Kiran Kumar Reddy said the act only reflects the gravity of the situation. He also criticised the suspension of 17 MPs belonging to Seemaandhra region from Parliament for the rest of the session.

While referring to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s statement wherein he said his heart bleeds over such incidents. “He (PM) should understand that hearts of crores of Telugu people are bleeding because of the undemocratic acts of the Centre,” he said.

Kiran Kumar Reddy also criticised the Congress High Command for hosting lunch for the BJP. “My party calls BJP ‘communal’. Then why is it having lunch with such a party? You are spreading poison?” he asked adding that they are ready to dine with a “communal party” but not willing to talk to their own people.  INN