By Subba Rao

Copyright thehindu

The Monsoon Session of the Andhra Pradesh Legislature is set to begin on Thursday, with the Assembly convening at 9 a.m. and the Legislative Council at 10 a.m.

Ahead of the session, Speaker Ch. Ayyanna Patrudu and Council Chairman Koyye Moshenu Raju held a review meeting with the Chief Secretary, the DGP, and senior officials.

The meeting focused on the security preparedness and the smooth conduct of the proceedings. The Speaker emphasised that all legislators should utilise the session to raise constituency-related concerns and urged the YSRCP legislators to participate responsibly, noting that abstaining from the House would not serve the public interest.

Mr. Ayyanna Patrudu said that it was the YSRCP legislators’ responsibility to represent the people’s concerns in the House.

“I am not asking for respect as Ayyannapatrudu, but the position of the Speaker deserves respect. By attending the House, every member will be given the chance to speak on the people’s problems,” he said.

Further, Mr. Ayyanna Patrudu asked the officials to ensure that answers to members’ questions are provided promptly during the Question Hour, underscoring the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in legislative proceedings.

The sessions will open with Question Hour, followed by a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC), which will finalise the duration of the session and agenda.

Meanwhile, elaborate security arrangements have been in place around the Secretariat, including Road Opening Parties, bomb disposal units, drone surveillance, rooftop monitoring, and heavy barricading. Entry will be strictly regulated, with valid ID cards being mandatory. Traffic police will be deployed to manage congestion and facilitate the smooth movement of VVIPs and senior officials.

The State government is expected to present a comprehensive report on its first year in office. Several key Bills are slated for introduction, including the repeal of the NALA Act, establishment of 10 medical colleges in the PPP model, rollout of a universal health card, measures against social media misinformation, and amendments to regularise unauthorised constructions.

Meanwhile, the YSRCP is unlikely to attend the Monsoon Session. The YSRCP has been demanding the status of the principal opposition party. The ruling NDA has rejected the claim, citing legislative norms requiring at least 15% of the Assembly strength.

With only 11 members, the YSRCP falls short of the threshold. YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has moved the Andhra Pradesh High Court over the issue.