AP Assembly Session Opens Amid Protests; Lokesh Alleges 141 Cases Filed to Stall Mega DSC

The Monsoon session of the Andhra Pradesh Legislature commenced on Monday (August 17, 2026) amid a ruckus, with both Houses summoned by Governor S. Abdul Nazeer under Article 174(1) of the Constitution. The Assembly began at 9 a.m., followed by the Legislative Council an hour later. This marks the seventh session of the Assembly and the 50th session of the Council.

The Business Advisory Committee, chaired by Speaker Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu, is scheduled to meet to finalise the sitting days and agenda. The session is expected to run for four days, concluding on Thursday, as Varalakshmi Vratam falls on August 21. The government has prepared seven Bills for introduction during this period.

The primary point of contention is the Mega DSC (District Selection Committee) recruitment process. The YSRCP has demanded a discussion on this issue, which has been the trigger for a fortnight of protests, detentions, and arrests across the State. In a statement, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Nara Lokesh alleged that 141 cases have been registered in the last 148 days specifically to stall the Mega DSC. His claim, however, remains an assertion and has not been independently verified.

Apart from the recruitment issue, other significant matters expected to dominate the session include the progress of Amaravati capital works, the Polavaram irrigation project, the rainfall deficit, and farmers' grievances. These topics are likely to take up much of the four-day sitting.

The opposition's demand for a structured debate on the Mega DSC reflects the wider tensions surrounding the recruitment drive, which has seen job aspirants and political activists clash with authorities. The government, on its part, has maintained that the recruitment process is being conducted transparently and in accordance with rules.

As the session proceeds, the Speaker’s role in ensuring orderly proceedings and balancing the legislative agenda with the opposition’s demands will be critical. The final schedule will be determined by the Business Advisory Committee, with all parties expected to press for time on their priority issues.