Andhra Pradesh assembly, which was adjourned sine die yesterday, is unlikely to meet again in the same premises next time, in August 2016.
According to sources, the temporary secretariat complex coming up at Velagapudi in Amaravati capital region will become the venue for the next session. The building , being built by L&T and Sapoorji Pallonji has the provision for a huge conference hall, ostensibly for Assembly and council. This is not being made public now. Though Maki &Associates is preparing the design for the Assembly and High Court, the original construction of these iconic structures is still shrouded in the mystery. Of late, there has been no talk of Singapore government or Singapore companies, which were once touted as saviors of Andhra Pradesh. The Singapore government, which facilitated the preparation of Master Plan for the new capital Amaravati, has complete disappeared from the talks and discussions in the corridors of power. With the date of commencement of original core capital still remaining uncertain, the government is said to have decided to hold Assembly session in Velagapudi in tune with the shifting of the government from June 15, 2016. Secretariat and Assembly, it is hoped, would give a semblance of capital in the absence of Amaravati.
Once the government starts functioning from Velagapudi from June 15, it would look unfair for the people’s representatives to function from Hyderabad. It is believed that the shifting of the government would put pressure on the MLAs and MLCs to think of holding next session, the monsoon session, of the Assembly from temporary government complex. The complex is being built with a space of 6 lakh sft. Sources say about a lakh sft is reserved for setting up of Assembly and Council,though temporarily. Regarding the residential arrangements for the MLAs and MLCs, chief minister Naidu is expected call upon the legislators to be ready to make small sacrifices for the sake of Navyandhra Pradesh, which is in the throes of division. Temporary arrangements would be made in Guntur and Vijayawada for the brief session of Monsoon session, sources said.