New Delhi: Steadfast on its demand for seeking a special category status for Andhra Pradesh, former ally of the BJP-led NDA dispensation at the Centre, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), on Thursday alleged that the government was “planting people to protest in Lok Sabha to sabotage its no-confidence motion” even as minister of state for parliamentary affairs Vijay Goel said he will meet key Opposition leaders to break the logjam in Parliament.
At the same time though, the TDP also requested Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to hold an all-party meeting to discuss the issue of special category status to Andhra Pradesh.
Earlier, both Houses of Parliament witnessed a washout in their proceedings for the 14th consecutive day amid protests by the Congress, TDP, YSR Congress and AIADMK MPs over a host of issues. While the TDP and YSR Congress have been bringing their no-confidence motion against the Centre for the past five days over its failure to grant Andhra Pradesh a special category status, the main Oppositi-on party, Congress, wants to discuss the banking scam and the AIADMK is seeking setting up of a Cauvery board.
Speaker Sumitra Mahajan was unable to take up the no-cofidence notices for the fifth day running on Thursday, saying the House was not in order, after the AIADMK and TRS MPs staged noisy protests in the Well.
Amid the gridlock in Parliament, TDP MP Y.S. Choudary in a press conference alleged that the BJP was “planting people to protest in Lok Sabha to sabotage the no-confidence motion”.
“Instead of discussion, the government is planting people to protest in the Well of the House,” TDP parliamentary party leader Y.S. Chowdary said.
The party also alleged that the protests by TRS and AIADMK in the two Houses were “planted”.
“We are sad over the manner in which both the houses are conducted,” Mr Chowdary, who is a TDP Rajya Sabha MP, said.
The TDP had withdrew its ministers from the Union Cabinet and later walked out of the NDA alleging that the Centre had failed to fulfil its “promise” of special category status to Andhra Pradesh.
“Our party floor leader met the Speaker today and suggested various avenues, but have not received any positive response,” he said.
