Cong, TDP MLAs clash in AP Assembly

HYDERABAD: Ruling Congress and main opposition Telugu Desam MLAs came to near blows inside the Andhra Pradesh Assembly today after Agriculture Minister Y S Vivekananda heckled two TDP MLAs as they held a placard that denigrated supporters of late Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy.

Vivekananda, brother of the late chief minister, rushed towards Telugu Desam Legislature Party deputy leader Gali Muddukrishnama Naidu and tore away the placard that read "YSR dongala mutha" (YSR's gang of thieves) and also heckled another MLA Ch Prabhakar who was sitting there.

Sensing trouble, officiating Speaker Nadendla Manohar adjourned the House immediately.

As soon as the House began this morning, MIM legislators trooped into the Well and raised the demand for constitution of a Joint Legislature Committee to probe "illegal allotment" of Wakf land for industries and other purposes.

At the same time, the TDP members too rose to their feet at their respective places, holding placards demanding a JLC to probe all land allotments.

The TDP members also held placards with the slogan "YSR dongala mutha".

Congress MLAs loyal to rebel leader Y S Jaganmohan Reddy too stood up to counter the TDP.

About half-a-dozen Congress MLAs from Telangana also were on their feet raising slogans in support of a separate state.

All of a sudden, the Agriculture Minister rushed towards the opposition benches in a fit of rage and tore away the placard held by the TDLP deputy leader.

As he virtually tried to hit their fellow MLA, other TDP members rushed in and pushed Vivekananda away.

Immediately, the officiating Speaker adjourned the House.