Furore in A.P. Assembly over water scarcity

Opposition members disrupted the Andhra Pradesh Assembly on Thursday demanding an immediate discussion on the acute drinking water problem in the state.

The proceedings had to be adjourned first for 15 minutes and then again for 30 minutes as agitated Telugu Desam Party members stormed the Speaker’s podium and demanded that the issue be discussed through an adjournment motion.

Deputy Speaker Nadendla Manohar, who was in the chair, repeatedly assured the members that the drinking water problem was a serious subject which could be discussed in the House in a different form.

Chief Minister K. Rosaiah admitted that there was a grave drinking water crisis in the state but said effective steps were being taken to tide over the crisis.

“We are reviewing the situation at the highest level every week and taking required action to mitigate the water woes,” he said.

However, this did not pacify the TDP and Left members who insisted on an immediate discussion.

This led to the first adjournment but peace did not return even after the break leading to the second adjournment.

At the start of the day’s proceedings, the TDP members came into the House carrying empty vessels to symbolise the drinking water crisis.

Earlier, the TDP, CPI and CPM MLAs staged a protest at Gun Park outside the Assembly premises on the same issue. Holding empty pots, the MLAs also indulged in a mock street brawl near a drinking water tanker.