The first session of the Andhra Pradesh Assembly turned intense as YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) MLAs staged a protest, demanding recognition as the official opposition party. As the Governor began his address, YSRCP legislators stormed the podium, raised slogans about democracy and opposition rights, and later staged a walkout in protest.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan came down hard on YSRCP’s tactics, condemning their rowdy conduct during the Governor’s address. He stressed maintaining decorum and discipline in the Assembly instead of going for violent protests.
Responding to their call for opposition status, Pawan explained that such status is not awarded by any government or leader but is based on electoral outcomes. He noted that with only 11 seats, YSRCP does not meet the official opposition status according to legislative standards.
Emphasizing figures, Pawan Kalyan reminded that Jana Sena has more members than YSRCP and is therefore the second-largest party in the state. He called upon the leaders of YSRCP to behave in a mature and responsible manner rather than indulge in wasteful interruptions in the House.
Adding further strength to his argument, he said that YSRCP will not be officially recognized as the opposition for the next five years since legislative recognition is seat-based, not vote-based. He also brushed aside comparisons with political systems in other nations, calling upon YSRCP leaders to honor India’s democratic setup and established norms.
Even as Pawan Kalyan has made it clear, YSRCP continues to hold out, stating that Jana Sena, TDP, and BJP operate as a coalition government and they alone are the opposition party. Word is that YSRCP is also going through legal means to combat for official status.
With Pawan Kalyan drawing a line in the sand, the attention now revolves around the way Jagan Mohan Reddy and YSRCP will react to this new political scenario.