The Andhra Pradesh Assembly Budget session began today with Governor Abdul Nazeer presenting his address to a joint session of the Legislative Assembly and Council. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, ministers in the cabinet, ruling coalition MLAs, and YSRCP legislators were present during the session.
But the proceedings took a dramatic turn when YSRCP MLAs protested, insisting that Jagan Mohan Reddy be accepted as the Leader of the Opposition. Lacking any response from the ruling party, the YSRCP leaders walked out in protest.
Addressing the media outside the Assembly, YSRCP MLC and opposition party leader in Legislative Council, Botsa Satyanarayana, roundly condemned the decision of the government. He emphasized that in a healthy democracy, there needs to be a strong and acceptable opposition, noting that in the two-party system, the opposition has an essential role to check the government.
Botsa also insisted that important issues of the people, particularly of farmers and oppressed sections, can be resolved only if the opposition is accorded its due position in the administration. He cautioned that if the ruling party didn’t heed their demand, YSRCP would intensify agitation and take the matter to the people.
Referring to the past events, Botsa pointed out that the government reacted to the crisis of chili farmers only after Jagan Mohan Reddy brought it to their notice, highlighting the role of the opposition in making the government accountable and responsive.