Date:28/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/28/stories/2008082854140400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Furore over Karanam’s suspension

Special Correspondent

-Photo: Mohd.Yousuf

Fraternity feeling: Leader of Opposition N. Chandrababu Naidu visiting Karanam Balaramakrishna Murthy, who staged a sit-in near the Gandhi statue in the Assembly premises in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

HYDERABAD: The Assembly was abruptly adjourned for the day on Wednesday following a furore raised by Telugu Desam members to protest against the suspension of Karanam Balaramakrishnamurthy.

TDP members rushed to the podium when Speaker K. R. Suresh Reddy wanted to take up the zero hour after announcing that all the questions were deemed to have been answered. They refused to resume their seats in spite of repeated appeals by the Speaker and contended that Mr. Balaram was unjustly suspended for a long period of six months on the “one-sided recommendations of the Privileges Committee”.

Raising slogans, they demanded a debate on Mr. Balaram’s suspension instead of the issue of fertilizers shortage listed in the agenda. Mr. Suresh Reddy, however, took the stand that the suspension issue could not be reopened .

Leader of the Opposition N. Chandrababu Naidu regretted that an important resolution suspending a member for a such a long period was adopted by a voice vote without a debate and on the allegation that he committed breach of privilege outside the House.

The action was vindictive in nature, he said.

His senior party colleage, Ch. Rajeswara Rao, said the suspension was unjust and undemocratic. “We should fight it out”.

Quoting rules, the Speaker said the debate on suspension could not be allowed for more than half-an-hour. The member was provided an opportunity to explain his views. Mr. Suresh Reddy pleaded with the agitated TDP members to withdraw from the well of the House and facilitate a debate on fertilizers. Failing to get response, he adjourned the House for the day.