Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly premises in Amaravati were opened to the public on Friday as part of the state’s ‘Mana Sabha–Jana Sabha’ programme, officials said. The move, timed with Independence Day, allowed citizens and students free entry to view the legislature and attend cultural events organised within the complex.
Programme launched by top presiding officers
The initiative was launched by Legislative Council Chairman Koyye Moshen Raju and Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu, who presided over ceremonies that included patriotic songs, cultural presentations and an AP Police Brass Band symphony.
Legislative secretary-general Prasanna Suryadevara described the programme as an innovative step and said the large turnout of students and citizens reflected public interest in democratic institutions, according to officials.
Access and civic education
Officials said visitors were allowed free entry and given the opportunity to visit both houses of the legislature. The assembly gallery also accommodated students from schools across the state, enabling young citizens to observe legislative proceedings and the working of democratic institutions at close quarters.
"The assembly is a ‘temple of democracy’ reflecting the hopes and aspirations of the people," Legislative Council Chairman Koyye Moshen Raju said.
Deputy Speaker Raghurama Krishna Raju described the opening of the premises to ordinary citizens as a new beginning and assured that the assembly’s doors would remain accessible to the public.
Cultural content and participation
The event programme included performances by students and recognised artistes. Students from KL University presented patriotic songs. A cultural performance by Irukullapati Lakshmi Sahasra, noted as a disciple of Kaja Venkata Subrahmanyam, was part of the celebrations and received applause, officials reported.
- AP Police Brass Band provided a symphonic accompaniment.
- KL University students performed patriotic songs.
- Cultural recital by Irukullapati Lakshmi Sahasra was staged.
| Role | Person/Group |
|---|---|
| Programme launch | Koyye Moshen Raju; Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu |
| Secretary-General | Prasanna Suryadevara |
| Cultural performers | KL University students; Irukullapati Lakshmi Sahasra; AP Police Brass Band |
Officials frame the move as strengthening democratic connect
Chairman Moshen Raju said it was gratifying to celebrate Independence Day alongside the public. He recalled that, in earlier times, ordinary citizens did not have easy access to the assembly premises and welcomed the opportunity now being provided for visits to both houses.
Prasanna Suryadevara underlined that the turnout of students and citizens pointed to a rekindled interest in democratic institutions. The official comment framed the programme as part of a civic-engagement effort rather than a single-day event.
Public reaction and context
While the official reports focused on the symbolic and educational value of opening the legislature, the programme also served as a public-relations platform to present the assembly as a people-centric institution. The inclusion of school and university students was emphasised as a practical step to familiarise future voters with parliamentary procedure and legislative debate.
Organisers said the event combined formal observation of legislative spaces with cultural celebrations customary to Independence Day, aiming to marry civic education and festivity.
The 'Mana Sabha–Jana Sabha' initiative represents an administrative choice to make legislative spaces more accessible. Officials involved characterised the opening as the beginning of sustained public access, though specific future schedules or frequency of public openings were not detailed in the statements released alongside the event.
Visitors on Friday included a broad mix of students and citizens who attended without charge, viewed the assembly galleries and watched the cultural programme. Officials said they hoped such initiatives would strengthen people’s connection with the democratic process.
