AP, Telangana supporters stand firm, Assembly adjourned twice

Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly was adjourned twice this morning without transacting any business as legislators on either side of the regional divide remained stubborn on their respective stands on the AP Reorganisation Bill-2013.

Pro-united state and pro-Telangana slogans reverberated in the Assembly as members from either side remained in the Well of the House as soon as the day's proceedings began at 9 AM.

The Telangana side, which vowed not to let the House function, persisted with its demand that the Chief Minister withdraw the notice given under Rule 77 for rejecting the Bill.

At the same time, the Seemaandhra MLAs demanded that voting be conducted for rejecting the Bill. Speaker Nadendla Manohar repeatedly appealed to the members to return to their seats and take part in the debate on the Bill. We have only two more days.

All of you take part in the discussion, the Speaker said. He told members to submit their opinions on the Bill in writing, if required, and place them on the table of the House. But, with the agitating members unrelenting, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings for an hour.

There was no change in the scene when the House re-assembled after over two hours. Deputy Speaker Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, who was in the Chair, then adjourned the House for another hour.

-PTI