Date:12/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/12/stories/2008021254120400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

‘Reasons for resignations should be convincing’

Speaker to act tough against those disrupting House proceedings

HYDERABAD: As the March 6 deadline set by the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) for submitting resignations of its MLAs is approaching, Speaker K.R. Suresh Reddy has asserted that he will take a final decision only after he is convinced by the reasons proffered.

The Speaker was responding to queries at a ‘Meet The Press’ programme held by the Press Club of Hyderabad on Monday. He said that there were guidelines under which the Chair should act and that he would act accordingly.

He said the Chair was listening to the arguments regarding disqualification of TRS rebels and a decision in this regard would be taken shortly.

Admitting that the standards of the proceedings in the House had fallen, he said he would take “tougher action” against members disrupting the proceedings. There would be no room for allegations at personal level.

‘Best Legislator’

The State Legislature had decided to give Best Legislator award every year on the lines of Parliament to encourage members to improve their conduct in the House.

On allegations levelled against the behaviour of the Chair, Mr. Reddy likened the post to a “punching bag”. “Since I cannot satisfy all the members at one time, the aggrieved section will make charges.”