Andhra speaker denies Jagan’s bid for Opposition leader status

Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker Ch Ayyanna Patrudu on Wednesday rejected YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s request for Leader of Opposition (LoP) status. He ruled that the YSRCP lacked the required MLAs to claim the position.

Reading out a four-page ruling, Patrudu dismissed Jagan’s demand as unreasonable. He quoted former CM NT Rama Rao, saying, “In a democracy, people are Gods, and the Assembly is a temple. A priest cannot grant what the Gods have denied.”

Jagan had submitted a representation on June 24, 2024, seeking LoP status. He later moved the state high court, challenging the Speaker’s decision. Patrudu clarified that he awaited the court’s ruling and denied media reports suggesting that the high court had issued summons to him.

The Speaker cited the Andhra Pradesh Payment of Salaries and Pension Act, 1953, which grants him absolute discretion in recognizing an LoP. He referenced Lok Sabha Speaker GV Mavalankar’s ruling that the LoP must have at least 10% of the House’s strength. He pointed out that past Andhra Pradesh Assemblies and recent Lok Sabhas had no LoP when no party met this threshold.

Patrudu dismissed Jagan’s claim that P Janardhan Reddy and P Upendra held LoP status despite lacking 10% strength. He clarified that they were recognized only as floor leaders, not as LoPs. He also recalled Jagan’s 2019 statement that TDP would lose LoP status if five members defected. “Such selective amnesia does not suit a leader of his stature,” he remarked.

Warning Jagan against attributing motives to the Speaker, Patrudu said such statements could amount to a breach of privilege. He urged YSRCP MLAs to attend Assembly sessions and represent their voters’ concerns.

Jagan reiterated that YSRCP remained the only opposition party in the Assembly, making him the automatic LoP. He cited Delhi’s case, where the BJP secured opposition status despite holding only three of 70 seats. He argued that his party deserved LoP recognition regardless of its numbers.