NEWSLINKS US EDITION SOUTH ASIA COLUMNISTS DIARY SPECIALS INTERVIEWS CAPITAL BUZZ REDIFF POLL DEAR REDIFF THE STATES ELECTIONS ARCHIVES US ARCHIVES SEARCH REDIFF
An eight-foot-high condom, strategically placed in the lobby of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, created a flutter during the discussion on AIDS control on Thursday.
Bharatiya Janata Party floor leader N Indrasena Reddy said, "Condoms have been put up in the lobbies. This is not correct. We are all for free and frank discussion on AIDS menace and an awareness campaign on this dreaded disease, but putting up placards and condom models in the assembly premises looks very ugly. We have to maintain the dignity and decorum of the House."
But Revenue Minister P Ashok Gajapathi Raju said HIV/AIDS is a very dangerous disease, which requires sensitisation, and the display was apt.
Health Minister Kodela Sivaprasada Rao said they had obtained prior written permission for the action from Speaker K Pratibha Bharathi.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who was earlier watching the proceedings in his chambers, came to the House to clarify the matter. "It is not for tamasha," he said. "It is a very serious issue. You are taking it lightly and talking lightly about it. The assembly is for discussing policies and programmes. We have to send the right message to the people. If you say this is objectionable, it is not correct. Floor leaders and legislators must lead the campaign against AIDS."
Back to top
Tell us what you think of this report
