Hyderabad: Electioneering for MLC Graduate Constituency elections had its impact on the ongoing budget session of Telangana Assembly. Political parties that are in fray shifted focus towards these elections in view of campaign drawing to a close on Friday. With less than 24 hours time left to reach out to Graduate voters, parties are hoping to utilize this time fully. Even the Assembly proceedings reportedly took a backseat due to election fever.

The House was to set to debate on demands relating to Municipal Administration and Urban Development, Irrigation, Panchayat Raj departments among others on Thursday. This business was slated to commence after the tea break. Government even announced working lunch hoping to wind up discussion on these key demands by evening similar to Wednesday’s proceedings.

However, opposition parties had other plans. Their members met Speaker Madhusudhana Chary during tea break and urged him to put off the discussion on demands till Friday. Books pertaining to demands were circulated to members only on Thursday and hence opposition parties urged Speaker to give them ample time to go through the material. Let the government start discussion on these demands, and adjourn the House giving time for opposition to express their views in Friday’s session, they said.

The Speaker agreed to the proposal and the House was adjourned around 2 pm. Initially government planned to extend proceedings till 5 pm atleast but it had to be altered due to opposition parties request. When members of the media sought reasons for abrupt end to proceedings from members, some of them disclosed that MLC elections also was a factor.

• Contesting parties brace for last-minute campaigning
• Oppn urges Speaker to put off debate on demands

Source: THI