Thirteen newly elected MLCs from various political parties, representing the graduates and the local authorities constituencies, took oath of office on Thursday.

Pro tem Chairman Singam Basavapunnaiah administered the oath to the members, who began their six- year term today. M.V.S.Sarma, who was elected from the Graduates constituency for the second successive term, was the first to take oath. Former Chairman of the Council A.Chakrapani and Legislature Secretary Raja Sadaram were present.

Mr. Sarma was followed by M. Geyanand, V. Subramanyam, and Y. Srinivasulu Reddy who formed the Progressive Democratic Front (PDF) in the Council.

CPI member

Communist Party of India member P. J. Chandrasekhara Rao, was administered the oath in the presence of CPI floor leader in the Assembly Gunda Mallesh.

A large number of supporters accompanied C. Narayana Reddy, who won as an independent backed by former MP Y. S.Jaganmohan Reddy's group from the Kadapa Local Authorities constituency. Legislators – C. Adinarayana Reddy, B. Gurunatha Reddy, G. Srikant Reddy, and A. Amaranath Reddy were present.

TDP members – V. Gangadhar Goud and S. V. Satish Kumar Reddy – were accompanied by a large number of followers. TDP legislators -- Nagam Janardhan Reddy, Mandava Venkateswara Rao, B. Gopalakrishna Reddy, and Hanumantha Shinde -- were present. Congress MLCs -- Md. Jani, Paladugu Venkata Rao, B.Changalarayudu, and M. Ranga Reddy -- came in a group.

PDF appeal

Talking to reporters later, the Progressive Democratic Front members said they would raise public issues. Dr. Geyanand said he would urge the government to introduce unemployment allowance for the educated youth.

He wanted the government to consider starting a Central University in Rayalaseema and a Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences like super speciality hospital in Anantapur. Mr. Gangadhar Goud (TDP) reiterated his commitment to the cause of Telangana. Mr. Venkata Rao (Congress) vowed to fight corruption. Mr. Jani expressed willingness to campaign against Mr. Jaganmohan Reddy in the bypolls while Mr. Changalrayudu said the Congress was not concerned, who its opponents would be in the Kadapa byelections.