Hyderabad: There was a scuffle between Telugu Desam MLA Prakash Goud and TRS legislator M. Yadagiri Reddy. In the melee, Mr Goud fell down and sustained minor injuries.
TD and Congress MLAs alleged that they were beaten up by TRS MLAs. Opposition MLAs tore the copies of the Governor’s speech and hurled them at the Governor.
The Governor’s address continued amidst slogan shouting and protests. Later, talking to reporters, TD floor leader in the Assembly E. Dayakar Rao claimed that his party colleagues were “attacked”.
“The incident has tainted the Telangana Assembly. This is a black day. TRS MLAs attacked our MLA Prakash Goud and MLC Nageswara Rao,” he alleged.
Countering the allegations of the TD and the Congress, Telangana IT minister K.T. Rama Rao charged both the parties with also having encouraged defections.
“Our members rushed to the podium only to provide security to the Governor and other dignitaries. But Opposition members provoked them and abused them. Despite this, we maintained restraint. None of our members attacked them. They fought among themselves and are now blaming us,” Mr Rao said.
Mr K.T. Rama Rao added, “AP CM, N. Chandrababu Naidu has admitted Opposition YSR Congress legislators into the TD there. But, they are finding fault with us here. I am asking TDP leaders, what outrageous thing has happened now? You gave in writing to the Speaker and Chairman (Legislative Council) that some have changed parties. An appropriate decision will be taken at an appropriate time,” Mr Rama Rao said.
On the Congress, he said they had encouraged defections from the TRS during YSR’s regime despite being an ally at that time, but now they are crying foul, when Congress MLAs are joining the TRS with the aim of taking part in rebuilding Telangana.
BJP floor leader K. Laxman demanded that video footage be released to ascertain the facts. He asked where was the need for ruling party MLAs to storm the podium when Opposition MLAs were protesting.
Mr Prakash Goud, who sustained minor injuries said, “TRS MLAs behaved like goondas in the House. They attacked TD and Congress MLAs. They did not leave me even after I fell down after they pushed me.”
However, TRS MLA M. Yadagiri Reddy denied attacking Mr Goud. “He was trying to throw copies of the speech at the Governor. I only tried to control him and take back the copies. He fell down because some of the opposition members pushed him and not because of me. Let video footage be released and all the facts will come out.”
