Former Minister and Deputy Speaker in undivided Andhra Pradesh N.Md. Farooq was unanimously elected Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council here on Wednesday.

He succeeded A. Chakrapani, whose term ended after the monsoon session.

Mr. Farooq was escorted to the podium by the Leader of the House and Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu.

The Finance Minister and other Ministers such as Kimidi Kala Venkata Rao and Ch. Ayyanna Patrudu recalled how Mr. Farooq played an active role in public life.

Mr. Patrudu recalled how he and Mr. Farooq worked in the NTR Cabinet and lived in the same street.

Ministers N. Chinarajappa, Kamineni Srinivas, Devineni Umamaheswara Rao, K.S. Jawahar, and K. Atchannaidu, and former Minister Gali Muddukrishnama Naidu said the election of Mr. Farooq ensured proper representation to the Muslim community.

The Chairman’s post was a highly respected one and the Muslims in the State were happy that it had been given to a leader from their community.

The Ministers said that Mr. Farooq had worked as a Minister for 11 years and as Deputy Speaker in the undivided A.P., and had the experience needed for holding the high post.

TDP MLC Payyavula Keshav was appointed chief whip. The government also appointed Dokka Manikya Varaprasad, Buddha Venkanna, P. Ramasubba Reddy, and Sharif Mohammad Ahmed as whips.

source:  http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Special Correspondent / Amaravati – November 16th, 2017