YSR Congress Party Raises Concerns Over Speaking Time During Amaravati Bill Debate
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Amaravati, April 3 (NationPress) The YSR Congress Party has raised concerns with the Vice President of India and Rajya Sabha Chairman, C. P. Radhakrishnan, regarding the insufficient speaking time allotted to them during discussions on the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2026.
A group of YSRCP MPs, headed by Parliamentary Party leader Y. V. Subba Reddy, met with Radhakrishnan in New Delhi to present their grievances.
They expressed discontent that although they have seven MPs, the party was only permitted five minutes of speaking time, and their microphone was interrupted. They highlighted that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and other smaller parties received more time, requesting a fair chance to voice their opinions.
Subba Reddy asked the Rajya Sabha chairman to make his speech available for review. The party also called for an investigation into the apparent deviation from parliamentary norms and established protocols.
The YSRCP pointed out that the time allocated for their discussion on the Bill was significantly inadequate.
They noted that the TDP, with just two members in the House, was afforded over 15 minutes to speak, while the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), which has four members, was also limited to only five minutes.
“This disproportionate treatment is particularly concerning as the Bill pertains directly to Andhra Pradesh, its constitutional future, and the interests of the people represented by all seven Rajya Sabha members of the YSR Congress Party. Denying the principal opposition party of Andhra Pradesh a fair opportunity to voice its views effectively equates to denying the residents of the State their rightful representation,” stated the representation.
The YSRCP further accused the repeatedly focused camera on the visitors’ gallery, especially on TDP MPs and state ministers, of being a premeditated act rather than mere coincidence. They demanded an official investigation into this matter.
On Thursday, the Rajya Sabha approved the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2026, granting statutory recognition to Amaravati as the exclusive and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh. The Lok Sabha had passed the Bill the day prior.
The YSRCP opposed the Bill in both Houses, arguing that it fails to consider the concerns of farmers who have relinquished their lands for the development of the state capital.