Salary cut for absentee MLAs, suggests AP Speaker Ayyana Patrudu; action likely against YSRCP boycott

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu on Tuesday called for strict action against legislators who fail to attend Assembly proceedings.

He also stated that absentee MLAs should face recall by the people and salary cuts for neglecting their constitutional duties.

“Attending the Assembly is the duty of every MLA. Those who do not discharge their responsibilities properly should face recall by the people. If employees face salary cuts for absenteeism, why should MLAs be exempt?” the Speaker questioned, making it clear that accountability must apply equally to elected representatives.

Decision soon on boycotting MLAs

He said a decision would soon be taken regarding MLAs of the YSR Congress Party, who have been boycotting the ongoing session while demanding recognition as the principal opposition.

The Speaker noted that several YSRCP legislators have stayed away from the Assembly after attending only the opening day of the session. He indicated that appropriate measures would be considered if the boycott continues.

He stressed that legislative participation is not optional and warned that drawing salaries without attending the House is unjustifiable.

Delay due to a technical glitch

Proceedings of the Andhra Pradesh Assembly began an hour late on Tuesday due to a technical glitch, prompting Speaker Ayyanna Patrudu to defend the delay and launch a sharp attack on absentee legislators, particularly from the opposition YSR Congress Party.

Speaking to reporters in the Assembly lobby, the Speaker clarified that a software issue led to the delayed start of the sitting and dismissed attempts to politicise the matter.

Ayyanna Patrudu said the session was postponed by an hour because of a technical problem.

“When there is a technical issue, what can anyone do? The YSRCP may try to politicise everything. Earlier, politics was face-to-face; now it is about digging pits from behind,” he remarked.

He maintained that the quorum was complete and that most members were present on time.

Digital attendance strengthens accountability

Ayyanna Patrudu highlighted that the newly introduced digital attendance system is functioning effectively, capturing not just the presence of members but also the duration of their participation in the House.

He said the system enhances transparency and ensures that the public is aware of how actively their elected representatives are contributing to legislative proceedings.

Recall provision raised at National Forum

The Speaker revealed that he had raised the issue of recalling non-performing legislators at a recent Speakers’ conference in Lucknow, pointing out that recall mechanisms exist in several countries.

He maintained that strengthening accountability in democratic institutions is essential to upholding public trust and ensuring responsible governance.

Opposition questions govt’s ‘inconsistency’

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Botsa Satyanarayana questioned why the government implemented the digital attendance system in the Assembly but not in the Legislative Council.

Addressing the media persons, he demanded clarity from the government on the issue. Botsa also accused Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu of making unnecessary allegations regarding temple prasadam, referring to claims about the mixing of animal fat.

The YSRCP MLC also said the matter is under investigation by a Special Investigation Team appointed by the Supreme Court and added that ‘some shocking truths’ are emerging in the probe. He asserted that certain revelations from the investigation would be difficult for the public to digest.