Debate over defections generates heat in Assembly

Hyderabad: Heated debate has taken place between Congress and TRS in the Assembly on Saturday on the defection issues and both accused each other guilty of the violation.

The issue came for discussion in the Assembly during the discussion on the demands of Information and Public Relations, Legislative Affairs and others. Congress member D Sridhar Babu raised the issue.

When Sridhar Babu pointed out that no action has been taken on the petitions of the Congress on party defections, Speaker Pocharam Srinivas Reddy cut the mike.

The Congress members Bhatti Vikramarka, Sridhar Babu and D Anasuya stood up at their seats and demanded restoration of mike. Though the Congress members were on their feet for few minutes the Speaker did not allow them to speak.

Finally, MLA Sridhar Babu got opportunity to speak on the issue when clarifications on the reply of the Minister have been taken up.

Sridhar Babu alleged that they have submitted petitions on the defection issue in April second week. But as the Speaker did not take any action on them, the defections continued.