Salary Cut, Suspension for Jagan?

It has been well over a year since the formation of the NDA government in Andhra Pradesh, and the number of times Jagan has visited the Assembly during this period can be counted on one hand.

Chief Minister Chandrababu and the government leadership have been urging Jagan to attend the Assembly, take part in policy discussions, and fulfil his duty as the MLA of Pulivendula.

However, Jagan appears least bothered, repeatedly insisting that he will attend the Assembly only if he is given the status of Leader of the Opposition. That decision, of course, is not entirely in the government’s hands, considering the resounding public mandate in 2024.

In this context, Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker Ayyannapatrudu made a very interesting remark, hinting at a possible salary cut and even suspension for Jagan.

“When a government employee does not fulfil his duty, we usually reprimand and punish him first. If they do not mend their ways, we cut their salaries. And if they still don’t change, they are removed from the position. Why should we not impose a similar punishment policy for an MLA? I am requesting the government to take strict action against MLAs who are neglecting their duties,” Ayyannapatrudu said.

While the Speaker did not directly mention Jagan, the implication was quite clear. People are connecting the dots and believe the Speaker was targeting Jagan, who has been blatantly ignoring his role as an MLA by repeatedly skipping the Assembly.