New Delhi:
Protests over Telangana rocked Rajya Sabha for the second day on Tuesday as it saw repeated adjournments after Telegu Desam Party members trooped into the Well demanding justice for Andhra, and a minister from the state indulging in a wordy duel with a fellow member.
Holding a placard demanding justice for Andhra Pradesh, TDP members C M Ramesh and YSR Chowdhary kept shouting slogans in the Well, while Minister JD Seelam clashed with Palvai Govardhan Reddy (Congress) over certain remarks.
Mr Reddy, a strong Telangana supporter, said Seemandhra members should go out of Telangana, a comment which drew sharp reaction from Seemandhra members.
Mr Seelam retorted saying his comments were "objectionable". He was supported by Renuka Chowdhury (Congress).
Some members from the treasury benches tried to placate both Mr Reddy and Mr Seelam and later senior member Ambika Soni was also seen advising the minister not to indulge in a spat.
As TDP members raised slogans like "We want justice" and "Save Andhra Pradesh", Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien warned them of action if they continued to disturb the House.
He even offered to give them the first opportunity to speak on the issue when the it came up for discussion.
"I'll be forced to suspend you," said Mr Kurien, adding "Don't force me to take action against you". These words, however, did not deter the protesting members from raising slogans in the Well.
Accusing the government of perpetuating the situation, Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley said a civil war like situation was being created instead of resolving the issue through consensus.
Mr Jaitley also said there was absence of consensus on Telangana even within the ruling party and took a jibe at the minister for his spat with a Congress member.
Earlier, the House saw three adjournments in the pre-lunch session on issues including Telangana and the killing of Indian soldiers by Pakistani troops.