Friday, May 6 2005 11:37 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chennai: Justifying Telugu Desam Party's (TDP) decision to attend Parliament, party chief Chandrababu Naidu today (May 6, 2005) said the TDP had decided to end Parliament boycott in public interest and it was against boycotting Parliament "totally".

"We have joined the boycott of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for four-five days. But now the party felt that we should not boycott totally and hence we are now attending Parliament. We have even criticised the United Progressive Alliance (UPA)," he told reporters at Chennai airport soon after his arrival on a private visit from Hyderabad.

Replying to a question on sudden change in its decision to end boycott of Parliament, Naidu said from the beginning his party had made it clear that it was not part of the NDA.

"We are not part of the NDA. We are supporting the NDA on issue basis. That is why we did not attend NDA meetings also," he said adding that in the public interest TDP MPs have decided to attend Parliament.

Naidu said his party also felt that the "treatment of the Opposition is not good. They (UPA) should treat Opposition well. The Government should take the opposition with it".

Replying to another question Naidu said his party's "Mahanadu" would take place soon during which the current political situation would be discussed.

Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee said he was "again and again requesting them (NDA) to please come. Please help in the functioning of democratic system".

Talking to reporters at the airport, Chatterjee, who was on a private visit, said he was prepared to allow a detailed discussion. "All of us have to work together. I am once again appealing through you, please come (NDA) and attend".