Naidu's Gesture to Jagan Sparks Debate in Andhra Pradesh Assembly
The commencement of the Andhra Pradesh assembly sessions yesterday was marked by a mix of political ceremony and intrigue. While the swearing-in of MLAs from the ruling coalition and YSR Congress proceeded as expected, a gesture of courtesy by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu towards Jagan Mohan Reddy sparked debate.
As per assembly rules, Jagan, despite his former status as Chief Minister, was required to walk from the outer premises as a regular MLA due to his party's limited seats. However, Naidu, in a display of apparent respect, allowed Jagan's car to enter the assembly premises through the gate, sparing him from this protocol.
This act of courtesy, however, became a point of contention. The YSR Congress Party (YCP) accused Naidu of defaming Jagan by not following the traditional order of oath-taking, claiming that cabinet ministers were sworn in after the CM, instead of the opposition leader.
Assembly rules, however, clarify that the opposition leader must take the oath after the CM, and with the YCP securing only 11 seats, Jagan did not meet the criteria for opposition status.
While Naidu's gesture appeared to be one of respect, political observers have noted the YCP's tactic of using a technicality to criticize the CM, adding another layer to the ongoing political drama in the state.