New Delhi: Former Andhra Pradesh chief minister and Telugu Desam Party president N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday, November 19, vowed to step into the state legislative assembly only after returning to power. He accused the ruling YSR Congress of targeting his wife and assassinating her character.
Hours after leaving the assembly in a huff, Naidu broke down, his voice choking as he addressed a press conference at the TDP headquarters in Mangalagiri.
“I have never seen such events in my life. I have never endured such pain. Even when obscene language was used against me, I have endured all of it. Today, they [YSRCP members] have demeaned my wife. She has never entered politics. When I was in power, I never demeaned anyone personally,” Naidu said as he tried to maintain composure.
Earlier in the assembly, the former chief minister in an emotion-filled tone had said he was pained by the continuous slurs against him by the ruling YSR Congress members.
Ever since YSR Congress came to power in 2019, winning 151 out of 175 assembly seats, controversial language has come to dominate the political discourse in the state, with several ministers resorting to what are perceived as below the belt comments to target political rivals. The TDP has been responding in equal measure.
Speaking about YSR Congress’s over-two-years’ rule, Naidu in the assembly had said, “For the last two and a half years, I have been bearing the insults but remained calm. Today, they have targeted even my wife. I was always lived with honour and for honour. I can take it no more.”
Though he continued to speak, Speaker Tammineni Seetaram cut the mike even as the ruling party members called Naidu’s remarks “drama”.
The former chief minister vented his frustration following an acrimonious exchange of words between the two sides in the House during a short discussion on the farm sector.
Later, he held an impromptu meeting with his party legislators in his chamber, where he reportedly broke down. The stunned TDP legislators consoled Naidu, after which they all came back into the House.
(With PTI inputs)