Drawing salary but not attending the Assembly… is it fair?

AP Assembly Speaker Ayyanna Patrudu has had a political career spanning nearly four and a half decades. He entered politics at the age of 15 and continues to be active even at 72, showing remarkable stamina and consistency. Known for his punchy and straightforward style, Ayyanna often speaks bluntly, sometimes even causing discomfort to the ruling party, but he stands by his principles and insists that his approach is correct.

Recently, Ayyanna Patrudu clarified a matter regarding YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy. He pointed out that 11 YSRCP MLAs have not attended the Assembly sessions for the past one and a half years, and the Speaker is monitoring action against them. He has repeatedly raised this issue in the Assembly. Ayyanna questioned the fairness of MLAs drawing salaries without attending sessions, saying that employees face consequences if they don’t work, so why should lawmakers be treated differently?

He also highlighted that except for Jagan, all other YSRCP MLAs are collecting salaries while avoiding Assembly sessions. Ayyanna questioned whether it is appropriate for lawmakers to benefit financially without fulfilling their legislative duties. He added that the rules are being examined and necessary action is being considered.

However, by giving Jagan a “clean chit” and confirming that he is not drawing a salary, Ayyanna inadvertently put the opposition in a difficult spot. Opposition leaders often criticize YSRCP MLAs for skipping sessions while collecting salaries, and Jagan is usually included in those comments. Now, since the Speaker himself has clarified that Jagan is not drawing a salary, such criticisms lose their weight. In short, Ayyanna Patrudu stated the facts as they are, leaving no room for political attacks against Jagan in this matter.