Kiran, Speaker get into row

Hyderabad: Ahead of the President’s likely T-Bill reference to the Legislature, a row has broken out over the Speaker sitting on the Chief Minister’s recommendation to prorogue the Monsoon Session.

Reports in a section of the media said that Kiran Kumar Reddy’s confidants intended to move a no-vote motion against N. Manohar.

The Legislature was adjourned sine die on June 21, but was not prorogued. Normally, a file is moved within a week by the legislative department recommending prorogation. Once the session is prorogued, the Cabinet can promulgate ordinances.

Also, the Governor can summon the Legislature for its next session, Otherwise, Presiding Officers can call the session with the consent of the CM?and the legislative affairs minister. Both Houses need to meet on or before December 20, within six months of the previous session.

That being so, three weeks ago the Legis-lature Secretary got an intimation from the CMO?that the Monsoon Session be prorogued and the necessary recommendation sent.

Manohar felt there was no urgency as the House anyway has to meet before December 20. He appears to have conveyed the same to the Chief Minister a few days ago, but Reddy appeared insistent on proroguing the House.