MPs reduced the session to anarchy after Congress’ L Rajgopal, opposing the Telangana Bill, used pepper spray in the Lower House, resulting in the hospitalisation of three others and triggering unprecedented clashes
Runny noses, itchy eyes: MPs hold handkerchiefs to their face after being affected by pepper spray.
MP admitted to hospital
A TDP lawmaker who collapsed in the Lok Sabha while protesting over the Telangana issue has been admitted to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. K Narayana Rao was protesting near the speaker’s podium. Suddenly, he collapsed on the floor and was rushed to the hospital, while the house was adjourned. Hospital Medical Superintendent H K Kar said Rao had a heart disease and was advised to undergo an open heart surgery last week by doctors back home in Hyderabad. “Too much exertion and excitement resulted in an increase in his blood pressure and pulse rate. His heart condition added to the problem, as he felt suffocated and out of breath,” Kar said. Three more who were brought to the hospital with complaints of itching in the eyes and ontheir skin were treated and later discharged.
All hell breaks loose: Ambulances were called to Parliament after MPs rushed out, following the violence that broke out. Pics/AFP
Outside Parliament
If all this wasn’t enough, supporters and opponents of Telangana fought with one another outside the house, leaving an unspecified number injured
Used pepper spray in self-defence, says MP
Suspended Congress lawmaker L Rajagopal, who used the pepper spray, said he took the step in ‘self-defence’. “I used pepper spray in self-defence. I rushed to the well only when a Seemandhra MP was attacked,” said Rajagopal. He was quickly overpowered by fellow MPs and marshals. Meanwhile, TDP MP Venugopal, who was involved in the fracas over the Telangana bill and was accused of bringing a knife to the house, termed the allegations a lie. “I was not carrying a knife inside the House. This is a lie being spread by the government. I was holding a mike, which may have looked like a knife,”
said Reddy.
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