Speaker should always follow values, ethics: Raghupathi

Rajamahendravaram: State Assembly Deputy Speaker and Bapatla MLA Kona Raghupathi has defined the post of the Speaker as a prestigious one and the person who is elected to the post should maintain values and ethics while running the House efficiently. Speaking to the reporters here on Friday, he alleged that former Speaker Dr Kodela Sivaprasada Rao had tarnished the image of the Speaker.

It is the duty of the Speaker to uphold the values of the House and also the person who holds the post should also keep up values even after demitting the post. The members of both the ruling and Opposition should discuss about the problems of the people instead of giving lengthy speeches as the time is precious, he added.

No step-motherly attitude was shown towards Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MLAs in the Assembly, Raghupathi said. He said that he was feeling proud to work as Deputy Speaker during the rule of a progressive government which had tabled many Bills pertaining to the development of the State as well as for the welfare of the people under the leadership of Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Recalling that his father had served as Assembly Speaker, Raghupathi said the post of the Deputy Speaker provided him an opportunity to serve the people.