Date:04/02/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/02/04/stories/2005020406650400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Free-for-all at ZP meet

By Our Staff Reporter

WARANGAL, FEB. 3. Chaos and confusion prevailed at the Zilla Parishad general body meeting after members belonging to the TRS-Congress combine and the TDP came to blows.

For three hours, the Zilla Parishad could not take up any business amid allegations and counter allegations of members. Soon after the meeting began, TRS member P Sudarshan Reddy wanted the chairman, A Baswa Reddy, to give time to discuss the works sanctioned by him and alleged misappropriation of funds. He also wanted the chairman to come out clear on his allegations over the TRS and Congress.

Mr. Baswa Reddy earlier alleged that the TRS and Congress leaders colluded with the Zilla Parishad vice chairman, S Samma Rao, to remove him. The Congress and TRS members wanted him to give an explanation over the issue.

Pandemonium

Social Welfare Minister D S Redya Naik, Civil Supplies Minister G Vijayarama Rao and MLAs K Surekha, D Srinivasa Rao, K Laskhma Reddy, V Narender Reddy and Mandadi Satyanarayana Reddy tried to pacify the members, but in vain.

Mr. Vijayarama Rao urged the chairman to allow the TRS members to complete their version, but the chairman refused to do so.

Meanwhile, the TDP members shouted slogans in favour Mr. Baswa Reddy and accused the ruling party members of trying to disrupt the proceedings.

TRS and Congress members reached out to the podium and squatted there. Enraged at this, the TDP members too came out and entered into an argument with them.

At this juncture, the members came to blows and pushed each other.

Meeting adjourned

Turning helpless, the chairman adjourned the meeting for lunch. But even after lunch, the same situation prevailed. The MLAs walked out of the meeting in protest and the chairman was forced to adjourn the meeting indefinitely.