Jagan only leader to boycott Assembly for Opposition status : CM

By The Capital

On 14 Nov 2024 17:51:52

Jagan only leader to boycott Assembly for Opposition status : CM

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu delivered a sharp criticism in the Assembly today,

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu delivered a sharp criticism in the Assembly today, asserting that there is no precedent in history where a former Chief Minister refused to attend the Assembly simply because he was not accorded opposition status, indirectly referencing former CM Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy. Naidu emphasized that opposition status is granted by the people's mandate, not by political leaders.

Reflecting on the 2019 election results, he remarked that despite Jagan’s bold claim of winning all 175 seats, the people limited his party to just 11 seats, denying him even the status of Leader of the Opposition. Adding to the discussion, newly appointed Deputy Speaker of the AP Assembly, MLA K Raghuramakrishna Raju (RRR), took charge amidst political drama. Chief Minister Naidu commented that the YSRCP leaders did not allow RRR to enter Andhra Pradesh in the past, drawing a parallel to their inability to face him directly in today’s session.

“This is a script written by God,” he remarked, underscoring the irony. Naidu also disclosed unsettling experiences he faced while in jail, alleging that he was under intense surveillance, with CCTV cameras monitoring his every move. In an indirect reference to an incident involving RRR, he mentioned a video where Raju was purportedly assaulted. Naidu further compared the climate to infamous criminal cases, referencing Colombia’s notorious drug lord, Pablo Escobar, implying a dangerous political environment. Recalling turbulent times, Naidu highlighted the historic 1985 incident where 11 Supreme Court judges were assassinated in guerrilla-style attacks, suggesting that similar threats had hovered over leaders like RRR, who narrowly escaped due to judicial protection.

He alleged that under the previous government, Assembly proceedings were plagued with discord, stating, “Not even a single day in the last five years was the Assembly held smoothly.” Naidu described the former Assembly as a "Kaurava Sabha," comparing it to an era of injustice, and asserted that he now presides over an “Honorary Sabha.” Naidu pointed out that even the Speaker, whom he accused of facing a serious criminal case, now presides over the House, while Raju, once threatened, has been elevated to Deputy Speaker. “This,” Naidu concluded, “is the beauty of democracy.”