Patrudu elected unopposed Speaker of AP Assembly

Amaravati: Senior TDP leader Ch. Ayanna Patrudu on Saturday assumed charge after his unanimous election of the Andhra Pradesh State Legislative Assembly.

The Narsipatnam MLA, 66, who belongs backward classes had served as a Minister in different governments. He was elected as MLA for seven terms and MP once from Anakapalle.

The TDP had nominated him with the support of allies TDP and Jana Sena Party. His name was proposed by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan.

After Pro-tem Speaker Butchaiah Chowdhury declared him unopposed on Saturday, he was guided to the Chair by Naidu, Pawan and other senior leaders. In response to felicitation offered to him, Patrudu declared his election to the coveted post as an honour to him. "I will act independently to run the proceedings smoothly with the cooperation of all the members," he said.