Hans News Service Amaravati

Themonsoon session of the Andhra Pradesh Legislature ended on Thursday with a sharp contrast between the Assembly and Legislative Council. While the Assembly completed substantive business and debated key political and administrative issues, the Council was virtually paralysed for four days by YSRCP protests demanding a discussion on alleged irregularities in the Mega DSC recruitment.

The Assembly recorded about 25 hours and 15 minutes of debate, with 103 members participating in the proceedings. Ministers answered 45 questions, including 25 starred and one unstarred question. Three short-duration discussions and a special discussion under Rule 344 were held, while the government secured passage of 12 Bills. The House also witnessed major announcements on BC reservations in local bodies, with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announcing 33.33 per cent reservation for BCs in urban local bodies and 34 per cent in rural local bodies. The Legislative Council, however, remained caught in a confrontation over the Mega DSC recruitment issue. YSRCP members repeatedly rushed to the Chairman's podium, raised slogans and demanded an immediate debate on alleged irregularities. The protests continued throughout the four-day session, preventing substantive discussions on other legislative businesses. Apart from Question Hour and the election of the Deputy Chairman, proceedings were repeatedly adjourned. The Assembly's agenda included detailed discussions on the implementation of the government's Super Six promises, the Mega DSC controversy, law and order and alleged irregularities in the APPSC Group-1 examination. On the opening day, HRD Minister Nara Lokesh gave a detailed statement on the Mega DSC allegations. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu also initiated a discussion on rainfall deficit, outlining the government's response and contingency measures.