Telangana Bill introduced in Lok Sabha

New Delhi, Feb 13: Notwithstanding strong opposition and threats of suicide by Seemandhra MPs, the Congress-led UPA Government tabled the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill 2013 in Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Amid unprecedented protests and din, Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde introduced the Bill in the Lok Sabha when it re-assembled after adjournment. However, expelled Congress MP Lagadapati Rajagopal set a new low by using pepper spray in the House leading to chaos. In reaction, the Telangana MPs tried to attack him and he had to be rescued by watch and ward staff. The Lok Sabha well then turned into a battle ground after the pro-Telangana and Seemandhra MPs clashed with each other.

Some MPs affected by the pepper spray rushed to hospital by ambulances. The smell of the spray was felt even outside the house. Rajagopal and Karimnagar MP Ponnam Prabhakar too were injured in the clashes.

Similar incidents were reported from Rajya Sabha, where TDP MP C M Ramesh tried to pluck away mike of the chair in Rajya Sabha.

The incidents led to the adjournment of both the Houses till 2 PM.

Speaking to media persons later, Shinde said that the Telangana Bill has been tabled and now it was the property of the Parliament. He also assured that stringent action would be taken against the MPs who resorted to violence.

“I am told that knives, pepper powder and other weapons were brought into the house,” confirmed Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath.

- INN