Clash breaks out during protests over Telangana issue

NEW DELHI: Pro and anti-Telangana supporters today clashed with each other during a protest outside the Andhra Bhawan here in support of their demands.

Supporters from both sides held separate protests outside the Bhawan and raised slogans in support of their demands.

A clash soon broke out between the two sides but police quickly intervened to stop it.

Andhra Pradesh has remained sharply divided on regional lines on the Telangana issue.

The issue rocked both Houses of Parliament today leading to adjournment of the Lok Sabha for the day and repeated adjournments of Rajya Sabha.

Both the Houses saw noisy scenes as soon as they met for the day with members from Andhra Pradesh -- from Telangana as well as Seemandhra regions -- cutting across party lines storming the Well. Those protesting included members from ruling Congress.

While Seemandhra members carried placards saying 'Jai Samaikya Andhra Pradesh' (hail united Andhra Pradesh), Telangana members shouted slogans demanding early creation of the separate state.

The government has announced that it will take up the Bill to carve out a separate Telangana state from Andhra Pradesh in the session that will conclude on February 21.

Government is expected to introduce the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill in Parliament next week.