Walkout over frisking of Cong. MLA

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, MARCH 14 The frisking of a Congress MLA, Mr Nagapuri Rajalingam, by a police official within the precincts of the Assembly, led to an uproar in the House, with Congress members demanding an apology from a police officer, Mr K.Arvind Rao, Additional Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad, for an ``insulting'' comment. Congress and CPI (M) members walked out, when the Minister for Legislative Affairs, Mr Y. Ramakrishnudu, said a meeting of floor leaders could be held and the issue could be sorted out by the Privileges Committee when it meets on March 19.

Mr. Rajalingam complained that he was frisked even after he revealed his identity, and at that time, Mr Arvind Rao, was passing by. When Mr Rajalingam complained to him, Mr Arvind Rao reportedly commented that ``police were doing their duty since MLAs cannot be identified as they have no uniform.'' The proceedings were stalled for half an hour, with Congress, CPI(M) and BJP insisting on a discussion on the ``pertinent issue.'' Dr Rajasekhara Reddy demanded that the Speaker, Mrs K. Pratibha Bharati, immediately settle the matter by adjourning the House and extracting an apology from the police official.

When the Speaker did not respond, Dr Reddy led his group out in protest with the declaration that they would stage a dharna in the lobbies until the issue was settled. The two CPI(M) members also walked out. The trouble started when Dr R. Ravindranath Reddy of the BJP made a zero hour mention alleging that officials were not caring for MLAs at all, especially after they came close to the Chief Minister through his tele and video-conferences, and they were not observing even the least protocol norms. Mr Rajalingam who had just then entered the House, complained that the police ``frisked'' him moments earlier despite his pleading with them against such an ``insult'' after identifying himself. When he brought the ``lapse'' to the notice of Mr. Aravinda Rao, who was present at the spot, the latter excused himself saying ``there are no uniforms by which MLAs can be recognised and let police do their duty.''

The Opposition members who were calm till then, disapproved the lapse in an uproar. The Congress members among them doubted if the police would allow only ``yellow uniforms'' inside and this was vehemently resented by Mr M. P. Rattaiah of the Telugu Desam. Dr Rajasekhara Reddy who termed the insult ``unbearable to any one'' demanded either uniforms to all MLAs or adjournment of the House to settle the matter. Mr N. Indrasena Reddy, BJP floor leader, said the issue could be referred to the Privileges Committee as demanded by Mr Rajalingam.

The Legislative Affairs Minister said the Government shared their hurt feelings and suggested that the Chair seek a clarification from the police official if necessary by calling the floor leaders to her chamber. The Speaker said a Privileges Committee meeting to be chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Mr K. Chandrasekhara Rao, was scheduled for March 19 when such issues could be taken up.

Earlier, Dr Ravindranath Reddy quoted GO MS No 81 issued by the General Administration Department, dated January 5, 1998, in which protocol order was specified for all official functions, etc, with the Chief Minister being given No 9, MLAs No 21 and district Collectors No 28. He complained that Collectors were not caring for legislators.

The issue was, in the words of Dr. Rajasekhara Reddy, ``sorted out to the satisfaction of all' at a meeting of floor leaders in the Speaker's chambers. Mr. Aravinda Rao reportedly expressed regrets.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Southern States
Previous : Security beefed up at all major temples
Next     : Notice served on 19 polluting units