Report by ; andhraportal

AP Speaker Ayyannapatrudu to Seek Central Law for YSRCP MLA Disqualification Over Boycott

In a major political development in Andhra Pradesh politics, Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyannapatrudu has announced plans to appeal to the central government for a new law that would allow the disqualification of YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) MLAs who have repeatedly boycotted legislative sessions. The move comes amid rising tensions between the ruling coalition and the opposition YSRCP over attendance and conduct in the Assembly.

Speaker Raises Concerns Over MLA Boycotts

During a recent session of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Speaker Ayyannapatrudu expressed concern over the sustained absence of several YSRCP MLAs — including party leaders who have skipped key sessions like the Governor’s address. According to the Speaker, these MLAs continue to draw salaries despite not participating in legislative proceedings, which he termed as a dereliction of duty.

The Speaker clarified that while the YSRCP members had been present on the day of the Governor’s speech, their attendance was not officially recorded for Assembly business, creating procedural complications.

Call for New Central Law

Speaker Ayyannapatrudu stated that existing state rules are insufficient to take effective action against legislators who deny their constitutional responsibilities by avoiding Assembly sessions. To address this, he plans to write to the Lok Sabha Speaker and Union authorities, seeking a central statute or amendment that clearly empowers state Assemblies to disqualify MLAs on grounds of boycott and non-attendance.

He also warned that if any MLA remains absent for 65 consecutive days without valid reasons, disciplinary notices will be issued under current norms. However, he believes only a central law can provide a robust legal basis for disqualification.

Political Backdrop to the Dispute

The controversy highlights ongoing friction between the ruling alliance in Andhra Pradesh — led by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and its allies — and the opposition YSRCP after the latter’s performance in the assembly led to diminished influence. Opinions within political circles suggest this dispute may be part of broader strategy debates within both parties, though direct statements from YSRCP leaders on the law proposal have not been published as of yet.

Ayyannapatrudu also addressed speculation about granting official opposition status to YSRCP leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, clarifying that it will not be possible under current conditions — a statement likely to further intensify political debate.

Why This Matter Matters

This initiative, if acted upon at the central level, could set a precedent for how legislative absenteeism is addressed nationwide. Disqualification for non-attendance is already a concept in parliamentary practice, but political analysts say a specific law could strengthen accountability mechanisms in state legislatures. It may also influence similar disputes in other regional assemblies where party attendance has been a recurring issue.

FAQs on the AP Assembly Boycott Issue

Why is Ayyannapatrudu seeking a central law?
He wants a clear legal provision to disqualify MLAs who avoid Assembly sessions despite being paid salary and allowances.

Who is affected?
The demand arises mainly in the context of absenteeism by members of the YSR Congress Party in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly.

Is disqualification currently possible?
Under present state rules, disciplinary action is limited; the Speaker believes only a central law can mandate disqualification in these instances.

Will this change opposition status?
Speaker Ayyannapatrudu clarified that this issue is separate from recognizing the YSRCP as the official opposition