Messy start to AP budget session, TDP leaders tear copies of Governor's speech

Amaravati: The budget session of the Andhra Pradesh state Legislature Assembly 2022-23 began with the customary speech by Governor Biswabhushan Harichandan on 7 March at 11 a.m. While the Governor was giving his speech, TDP leaders tore copies of the speech and walked away.

Chief Minister Y.S Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed anger against TDP leader Atcham Naidu for the behaviour of the party leaders. He said that such a situation has never occurred during the Assembly sessions. Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief and Opposition leader N. Chandrababu Naidu did not attend the session as he has vowed to step into the Assembly only as the Chief Minister. Meanwhile, the Governor, in his speech, said the new districts of Andhra Pradesh will start functioning from 2 April, Ugadi, marking the Telugu New Year. He also lauded the efforts of the government in developing the education, medical and agricultural sectors.

AP has decided to hold the budget sessions till 25 March. The Business Advisory Committee under the chairmanship of Assembly Speaker Tammineni Sitaram took this decision. There will be no session on 9 March in honour of former IT minister Mekapati Goutham Reddy who died last month due to a cardiac arrest.

On Monday, after the customary speech by the Governor, the budget session ended and a meeting by the Chief Minister along with the Cabinet ministers was held at Velagapudi. State finance minister Buggana Rajendranath will present the AP budget 2022-23 on 11 March.