Jagan Mohan Reddy's YSR Congress legislators clashed with marshals inside the Andhra Pradesh assembly
Pro-government and opposition legislators clashed for the second day in Andhra Pradesh assembly today, forcing the speaker to issue a desperate plea for maintaining peace. The opposition wants a discussion on the issue of special status for Andhra Pradesh.
Opposition YSR Congress' legislators, wearing black robes, started protests as soon as the assembly convened in the morning. Demanding that the government immediately take up the issue of special category for discussion they repeatedly clashed with marshals present to maintain order.
On Wednesday evening Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had announced special financial package for Andhra Pradesh to help it recover from losses it suffered after Telangana was created out of its lands. Mr Jaitley however stopped short of announcing special category status for the state.
Legislative Affairs Minister Yanamala Amakrishnudu said that the government was ready to make a statement only if the opposition stopped protesting.
"The Chief Minister was ready to make a statement yesterday but you didn't allow it. As decided in the Business Advisory Committee meeting, we can only have the discussion once he makes the statement," he said.
When YSR Congress legislator Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy demanded that the minster allow a discussion in any case, Mr Yanamala shot back saying "Lotus Pond (YSR Congress chief Jagan's residence) don't apply here."
Angry YSR Congress legislators then stormed the speaker's podium and clashed with marshals in the assembly.
Speaker Kodela Sivaprasada Rao admonished the legislators and appealed for calm. A visibly upset Mr Rao appealed to the legislators saying "you are making a big mistake; the entire state is watching you."
"Don't attack the marshals, it is not correct. This is a legislative body, bear in mind and learn how to behave in the house," Mr Rao said before he adjourned the assembly.