YSRCP slams coalition govt for denying opposition status

Tadepalli, Feb 26: YSRCP MLC Lella Appi Reddy criticized the coalition government for its authoritarian stance in denying YSRCP principal opposition status in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly. Speaking to the media, he accused the government of suppressing the opposition’s voice and undermining democracy by refusing to recognize YSRCP as the principal opposition, calling it a blatant disregard for democratic norms.

He stressed that principal opposition status is a responsibility, not a privilege, ensuring time to address public issues in the Assembly. Condemning the coalition’s “venomous propaganda” for misrepresenting this role, he cited the Parliament Act of 1977, which mandates recognizing the principal opposition regardless of seat count. With three of four Assembly parties in the ruling coalition, he argued YSRCP, as the sole remaining party, deserves the status.

Appi Reddy accused the government of lying in the Assembly and blocking discussion on public grievances, fearing YSRCP’s scrutiny amid rising discontent over unfulfilled promises, Group-2 unemployment issues, chili farmers’ struggles, and electricity charge hikes. He linked the denial of status to the coalition’s inability to answer questions and hide governance failures.

Noting YSRCP’s effective opposition role in the Legislative Council - raising issues like vice-chancellors’ forced resignations and falsehoods in the Governor’s address - he said the government is rattled. He emphasized the opposition’s vital democratic role, warning that unilateral governance without accountability is dictatorial. Challenging the coalition’s numerical excuse, he suggested Janasena exit the coalition if numbers were the criterion. He concluded that YSRCP’s fight is to uphold democracy and ensure people’s voices are heard.