Kodela unanimously elected as Speaker of AP Assembly

Senior legislator Dr Kodela Siva Prasad Rao on Friday was unanimously elected as the first Speaker of residuary State of Andhra Pradesh State Legislative Assembly.

A general physician by profession, sixty seven-year-old Kodela began his political career in 1983 and got elected as the Member of Legislative Assembly six times. He had served as minister in previous TDP regimes and effectively handled portfolios including Panchayat Raj, Health, Irrigation and Home.

Kodela's candidature was proposed by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and seconded by leader of the Opposition YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. Protem Speaker P Narayana Swamy announced the unopposed election of Kodela. Chandrababu Naidu, Jagan Mohan Reddy and other legislators then escorted Kodela to the chair.

Speaking on the occasion, Naidu recalled his long association with Kodela and expressed confidence that he would effectively use his skills to run the House. Congratulating Kodela, Jagan Mohan Reddy hoped that the Speaker would provide equal opportunity to the opposition parties to raise their issues in the Assembly.

Legislative Affairs Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu and other legislators also congratulated the new Speaker.