AP Speaker urges Om Birla for 60-Day assembly sessions in a year

Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu made headlines with his remarks at the First National Conference on Women held in Tirupati. The conference was also chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, along with national and state leaders including MP D. Purandeswari, MLA Gowru Charitha Reddy, and several MPs from different states.

Addressing the gathering, Ayyanna Patrudu highlighted the importance of women in society. He noted that the Andhra Pradesh government has upheld its commitment to women’s reservation in ministerial appointments. He further added that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu personally ensured women’s representation in MLA seat allocations, which has strengthened women’s voices in Assembly proceedings.

Indirectly criticizing the opposition for skipping Assembly sessions, Patrudu questioned their accountability. Drawing a comparison, he said, “If government employees are suspended for not fulfilling their duties, why can’t the same apply to MLAs who fail to attend Assembly sessions?” He also urged Speaker Om Birla to introduce reforms mandating state Assemblies to conduct sessions for at least 60 days a year.

Patrudu paid tribute to late legendary actor-turned-Chief Minister Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), recalling his pioneering reforms for women’s empowerment, such as granting women equal rights to property. He also highlighted NTR’s role in establishing Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam, dedicated to advancing women’s education. Reaffirming the state’s commitment, Patrudu stressed that the Andhra Pradesh government remains devoted to the welfare and safety of women.

Concluding his address, he thanked MPs from across the country for participating in the conference and called on them to work collectively towards meaningful reforms and policies that can be effectively implemented by both state and central governments.