Etala Rajender (TRS) hoped that Mr. Reddy would use his vast experience to conduct the proceedings efficiently.

Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy heaped praise on Speaker N. Kiran Kumar Reddy for his “distinct” leadership qualities and said “I am sure he will script a new chapter for the Assembly using these qualities.”

Felicitating Mr. Kiran Kumar Reddy on his election as Speaker, in the Assembly on Thursday, the Chief Minister said he hoped that he would shape out as a guardian of democratic practices and envy to other States by conducting the proceedings in a good way.

He felt that the Speaker may not need the assistance from officers as he was thorough with rules, being a law graduate and having served as Government Chief Whip effectively till recently. Quoting Pandit Nehru, he said the Speaker always represented the House and its dignity.
Tightrope walk

The Chief Minister, however, said giving equal opportunity to members by the Chair always depended on how they extended cooperation to him. Mr Kiran Kumar Reddy might not act as rule-book Speaker or as a headmaster, though the conduct of proceedings was a tightrope walk, he added.

Agriculture Minister N. Raghuveera Reddy said he was anguished that well-established conventions were not followed and the Leader of the Opposition, N. Chandrababu Naidu, did not even utter a word hailing his election. Stating that there would be full cooperation from the government to enable the Chair to act independently, he urged him not to yield to “blackmail or pressure.” Finance Minister K. Rosaiah, Health Minister D. Nagender, Roads & Building Minister G. Aruna Kumari, Revenue Minister D. Prasada Rao also felicitated the new Speaker.

R. Chandrasekhar Reddy (TDP) while congratulating Mr. Reddy assured that his party would cooperate in enhancing the prestige of the House. Etala Rajender (TRS) hoped that Mr. Reddy would use his vast experience to conduct the proceedings efficiently. MIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi expressed confidence that he would discharge his responsibility with utmost impartiality and follow the high traditions set by his predecessors. G. Mallesh (CPI), G. Kishan Reddy (BJP), J. Ranga Reddy (CPI-M), Shobha Nagi Reddy (PR) and others spoke.