Andhra Pradesh: Minister’s "Cat" remark causes ruckus in legislative council
By : Sampat G. Samritan
Update: 2024-11-21 16:14 GMT
VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council witnessed ruckus when health minister Y. Satya Kumar Yadav remarked that “the cat, which ate 100 rats, is going on Haj or Kasi Yatra for penance.” He held the previous YSRC regime responsible for delay in setting up new government medical colleges in Andhra Pradesh.
Replying to a query during Question Hour by members including P.V.V. Suryanarayana Raju whether the state government had written to the National Medical Council (NMC) rejecting the MBBS seats offered to AP, the minister said though five new medical colleges should have started functioning from 2024–25 in Phase 2, they remain in various stages of completion.
With regard to the medical college coming up at Pulivendula, Satya Kumar said there had been a delay in taking up civil works, procuring equipment and roping in teaching faculty. State government conveyed the same to NMC.
He criticised the previous YSR Congress regime for failing to allot adequate funds for developing infrastructure and recruiting faculty members for the five new medical colleges in Phase 2. These remarks evoked protests from opposition YSRC members.
He criticised the previous YSR Congress regime for failing to allot adequate funds for developing infrastructure and recruiting faculty members for the five new medical colleges in Phase 2. These remarks evoked protests from opposition YSRC members.
This is when the health minister used the Urdu adage of the cat going on Haj after eating rats. Certain opposition members found fault with the adage, charging Satya Kumar of trying to undermine their religion. Other members accused him of attempting to kick up caste rivalries.
Taking objection, these members rushed to the podium and started raising slogans “Minister down down.” They demanded that council chairman Koyye Moshenu Raju expunge the remarks made by Satya Kumar.
The minister maintained that he had only used a popular adage to explain the issue, which is not un-parliamentary. He said if the adage is un-parliamentary, it could be removed from the council records.
Agriculture minister K. Atchannaidu intervened saying Satya Kumar had used the adage to explain his point. He faulted YSR Congress members for needlessly making an issue out of it.
Taking objection, these members rushed to the podium and started raising slogans “Minister down down.” They demanded that council chairman Koyye Moshenu Raju expunge the remarks made by Satya Kumar.
The minister maintained that he had only used a popular adage to explain the issue, which is not un-parliamentary. He said if the adage is un-parliamentary, it could be removed from the council records.
Agriculture minister K. Atchannaidu intervened saying Satya Kumar had used the adage to explain his point. He faulted YSR Congress members for needlessly making an issue out of it.
At this stage, council deputy chairperson Mayana Zakia Khanam said, “Every community has its own respect. None should speak against other religions.”
Minority welfare minister N.M.D. Farooq said, “If at all any un-parliamentary remarks are found, they should be removed from the records of the council.”
At this stage, the council chairman advised members to stay calm, as the health minister has announced his willingness to withdraw his remarks.
Leader of opposition Botsa Satyanarayana said the health minister is not expected to use such a language.
As commotion continued to prevail, Moshenu Raju adjourned the house.
As commotion continued to prevail, Moshenu Raju adjourned the house.
After the council resumed its sitting, Satya Kumar announced that he is withdrawing his remarks and the same could be removed from the records.”
This restored normalcy and the council took up other business.