Date:16/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/16/stories/2008091659780500.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

No trust move unwarranted, says Chief Minister

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy has said that the Telugu Desam Party and the Telangana Rashtra Samiti had scored a self goal by moving a no confidence motion against Speaker K. R. Suresh Reddy.

Speaking to reporters, after the no trust motion against the Speaker was defeated by voice vote, Dr. Reddy said the action of the TDP and the TRS was unwarranted. “After failing on all fronts, the two parties tried to target the Speaker, which is very unfortunate,” he added.

Stating that the two parties had moved the motion without a rhyme or reason, the Chief Minister wondered what could be the motive in targeting a person, who was known for his impartiality as also a gentleman with endurance. He said, he wishes God would give the leaders of the two parties, better understanding and good sense in the days to come, to conduct themselves with dignity in the Assembly.

Dr. Reddy said everybody knew the manner in which TDP legislator Karnam Balarama Krishnamurthy passed remarks against the Speaker in Ongole.

On a complaint lodged by the CLP, the matter was referred to the Privileges Committee, which examined the issue and decided to take disciplinary action.

While all the members opined that the Telugu Desam MLA had erred, they differed on the mode and degree of punishment to be meted out.Even after the House took up a discussion on the issue and decided to suspend him for six months, Mr. Balarama Krishnamurthy’s conduct was unapologetic, he added.

He said Pathikonda legislator S. V. Subba Reddy also felt that his party colleague should have apologised for his conduct.

TRS stance

On the TRS moving a no trust motion on the delay in disqualification of the rebel legislators, he said the TRS had repeatedly delayed and sought adjournment.

In all 24 hearings were held of which many a time, they sought adjournment on one ground or the other.

Finally it was the Speaker’s office which sent to reminders and asked the TRS to submit written arguments, he pointed out.