Amaravati, Nov 30 (IANS): The Andhra Pradesh Assembly on Monday passed the Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill 2020 by a voice vote amid opposition objections.

"The Bill was earlier passed by this House and sent to the Legislative Council which returned it with some amendments. It is the second time the Bill is being tabled in the House and it is just a formality to get it passed," Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy said.

He said there was no reason for the opposition parties to make an issue out of it.

Reddy intervened when opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders tried to raise objection to the Bill as Panchayati Raj Minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy tabled it and explained its salient features.

He said there was no scope of negating the Bill which had been okayed by the House.

The Bill was passed in the same format it was earlier introduced, as the Assembly rejected the amendments proposed by the Legislative Council.

According to the ruling party, what was okayed by a majority of 151 members will prevail and the Bill in its original form had again been put forth for consideration of the Assembly which was a "mere formality".

"The opposition is acting as if the Bill has been just introduced and is unaware of it," said an official statement.

According to the state government, the Bill aims to check malpractices in Panchayati Raj Institutions' elections, check money power, expedite poll schedules and also for taking action against erring officials even after results are announced.

"As the Council has sent it back, the Assembly is passing it for the second time. It is just a formality," said the statement.