Ruckus in Council as TS budget is presented

Hyderabad, Nov 5: Members of the opposition parties created a ruckus in the Telangana Legislative Council Wednesday even as Deputy Chief Minister Rajaiah was preparing to present his government's maiden budget for 2014-15. Due to the unruly scenes there was a brief disruption in Rajaiah's speech. Soon after Rajaiah rose to present the budget, protesting Telugu Desam and Congress members displayed placards seeking a statement on farmers’ suicides, power crisis, students’ agitations and other vital issues in the State. With the opposition members moved into the well of the house even as they raised slogans Chairman Swamy Goud allowed Leader of Opposition Srinivas to present his demand. With this, the minister briefly halted his speech. Then, Srinivas said that going against the conventions, the Government chose to present the budget on the very first day of the session without allowing the opposition to raise burning issues in the State. Let the government first come out with a statement on these problems, he said. Rajaiah then resumed his speech ignoring the Chairman’s direction. Telugu Desam member A.Narsa Reddy also demanded a statement on farmers’ suicides as the Deputy Chief Minister continued his speech.