Lokesh blasts YSRCP over “insults”, questions Assembly boycott

By The Capital

On 14 Nov 2024 16:48:19

Lokesh blasts YSRCP over “insults”, questions Assembly boycott

IT and HRD minister Nara Lokesh sharply criticized YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) members, defending his father, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu.

In a tense session in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council on Thursday, IT and HRD minister Nara Lokesh sharply criticized YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) members, defending his father, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu.

Lokesh stated that during the previous regime in Amaravati, Naidu consistently attended Assembly sessions, only boycotting proceedings after Nara Bhuvaneshwari was allegedly insulted in the House. Minister Lokesh highlighted that TDP Chief Naidu attended the Assembly from 2014 to 2019, disputing YSRCP claims that he “ran away” from legislative sessions.

“Chandrababu attended regularly but left only after witnessing an insult to my mother. He vowed to return once the Assembly regains its dignity,” Lokesh stated, adding that his father’s absence was a stance against perceived disrespect, a point Naidu has reiterated on social media. A heated exchange between TDP and YCP members followed these statements.

Minister Dola of the TDP pointed out that YCP leader and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy often avoided Assembly attendance, prompting strong objections from YCP members. YCP leaders countered that TDP leaders were selectively remembering incidents and dismissed claims of avoidance by their leader. Lokesh also questioned the YSRCP’s integrity, mentioning past incidents where members of YSRCP allegedly insulted prominent figures, including Congress leader Y S Sharmila and her mother Vijayalakshmi.

“We never made personal comments about Jagan Reddy's family. Yet, when my mother was insulted, should we remain silent?” Lokesh asserted, addressing Botsa Satyanarayana, the Leader of Opposition in the Council. Addressing the Council members, Lokesh also accused YSRCP of condoning the actions of those who made the initial insults, a statement Botsa refuted, insisting that disrespect was not acceptable under any circumstances.

However, Lokesh responded, pointing out YSRCP’s actions, suggesting they offered electoral tickets to those responsible, adding, “The people of Andhra Pradesh witnessed everything. It’s all recorded.” Lokesh questioned the continued absence of YSRCP legislators from Assembly sessions, alleging that the ruling party was not fully participating in legislative proceedings.