PRC row sparks heated debate in AP legislative council

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council witnessed heated exchanges during Question Hour on Thursday, as issues related to PRC revision and pending employee dues sparked sharp debate between the ruling and opposition benches. Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav faced pointed questions from MLCs and launched a scathing attack on the previous YSRCP government.Keshav accused the Jagan Mohan Reddy administration of "misbehaving with employees" and diverting GPF funds for other purposes. "The YSRCP promised much during elections but cheated employees later. Talking about employee welfare now is like demons reciting the Vedas," he remarked.He further alleged that the previous regime misused funds from 94 central schemes and even drew advance revenue deficit funds citing the pandemic, despite already receiving an additional ₹40,000 crore from the Centre.Highlighting the coalition govt's commitment, Keshav said, "We earlier gave 43% fitment, one percent higher than Telangana. But the YSRCP imposed a reverse PRC, giving 23% less than IR, citing Corona as an excuse." He revealed that between 2024–25, the govt cleared ₹11,496 crore in arrears, and another ₹3,549 crore in 2025–26. He assured that the govt remains positive about resolving employee issues and would soon appoint a PRC Commission, with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu taking a decision at the right time.However, Leader of Opposition Botsa Satyanarayana expressed dissatisfaction with Keshav's reply. He accused the coalition govt of neglecting employees and betraying the people's trust. In protest, Botsa staged a walkout, declaring solidarity with the employees' grievances.The monsoon session turned more chaotic when YSRCP MLC Ramesh Yadav referred to CM Chandrababu Naidu merely as "Kuppam MLA," sparking uproar from TDP members. Furious legislators demanded an apology and shot back asking whether YSRCP would accept Jagan being called a "mafia don." With tensions running high, the Chairman adjourned the House temporarily.