Lok Sabha adjourned twice over special status to Andhra

The Lok Sabha was adjourned twice on Tuesday during the zero hour when members of the BJP's ally Telugu Desam Party (TDP) created an uproar, demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh.

Members from the Yuvajana, Shramika, Rythu Congress -- another regional outfit in Andhra Pradesh -- also supported the demand.

The Lok Sabha was first adjourned for about 15 minutes till 12.30 p.m. soon after the question hour was over and papers were laid on the table of the house by ministers.

As the disruption continued, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said she would allow a discussion only under relevant rules and provided prior notice for it was given.

Earlier, Mahajan repeatedly told the agitating members that they could not display placards in the house and that mere sloganeering would not serve any purpose.

"Raise your issue during the zero hour. I am sorry for your behaviour," Mahajan told the members during the question hour.

As soon as the house resumed its sitting in the morning, members from the YSR Congress trooped into the well of the house, holding aloft placards demanding special category status for Andhra Pradesh.

TDP members also entered the house holding banners. One TDP member was seen enlisting support of other members in the house who backed their demand.

During the zero hour as slogan-shouting continued, Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay said the chair should allow a short-notice discussion as the matter was relevant to the powers of the states and the federal structure of the Constitution.

"I have spoken to TDP leaders. We and even BJD members can participate in the debate," Bandyopadhyay said.

The Speaker, however, adjourned the house till 12.30 p.m.

When the house re-assembled at 12.30 p.m., Deputy Speaker M. Thambidurai adjourned the proceedings till 12.45 hours amid all disruptions.

Later, after the business resumed despite sloganeering from agitating members, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said the business advisory committee of the house should take up the issue raised by of Andhra Pradesh members at its meeting slated on Wednesday and decide about a structured debate.

He also requested the chair to give some assurance to the agitating members on this.

The Speaker, however, said a final decision on how to debate Andhra Pradesh special status can be taken only "tomorrow (Wednesday)" at the business advisory committee meeting.

"We can take that decision only tomorrow. I have already requested the members to resume their seats and allow smooth functioning of the house," she said.

--IANS

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