Elaborate security arrangements, mock drills and above all an implied warning that all acts by Members which lowered the dignity of the House would be firmly dealt with firmly ensured a relatively smooth Governor’s address to the joint session of the Assembly and Council.
All eyes were on the TRS members who had created a ruckus during the Governor’s address last year. The TRS members, particularly Mr Harish Rao, had pulled out mikes and tried to physically prevent Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan from delivering his speech. But this time the TRS Members were forced to remain in their seats though they continued sloganeering and hurled copies of the speech at the Governor. The TRS Members shouted “Jai Telangana” and “Governor Go Back.”
Speaker N. Manohar took precautions to avoid a repeat of last year’s experience. Sources said a mock drill was conducted on Sunday in which staffers hurled papers and books at the marshals who blocked them. An additional row was created on the podium so that the Governor was at a safe distance from the MLAs. Three men from the Governor’s security detail sat in the first row on the podium and as soon as the TRS Members started throwing papers, they blocked them with briefcases brought specially for the purpose.
The marshals cordoned off the area leading to the podium. Surprisingly, Mr Harish Rao did not even venture into the first row where some party members raised slogans. Sources said the authorities sent clear signals to the TRS Members that any act which went against decorum would not be allowed.