The Lok Sabha today witnessed unprecedented scenes of violent misbehaviour when pro and anti-Telangana members came to blows.

This was triggered by rumours that the government was introducing the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill in the House at noon. Soon after the House re-assembled at noon, members from both sides of Andhra Pradesh trooped into the well taking on each other physically.

Even before Speaker Meira Kumar could settle down to take up the listed business, members from Telangana region prevented TDP member from Seemandhra, M Venugopal Reddy from going close to the Chair. Reddy was seen breaking the table glass in the aisle where the Lok Sabha officials were on duty. Telangana members pounced on him, resulting in his fall on the spot.

Within no time, other members from Seemandhra came to his rescue. L Rajgopal of Congress rushed towards Venugopal Reddy and all of a sudden, started spraying pepper spray, randomly.

This instantly caused suffocation leading to severe breathing problem and eye-burn to many members and also media persons in the press gallery. As a result, members started leaving the house in a panic situation even before Speaker could adjourn the House.

Meanwhile, marshals instantly whisked Rajgopal away from the House. Later it was announced that the House was adjourned till 2pm. The Rajya Sabha which witnessed unruly scenes, was also adjourned till 2 pm.

In the Rajya Sabha, situation was no different. Soon after House reassembled after first adjournment, members from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu trooped into the well raising slogans in support of their demands. Anti-Telangana TDP members broke the mikes of the Chair. Deputy Chairman Prof P J Kurien allowed laying of papers in the din. He adjourned the House till 2pm as pandemonium continued.

Speaker Meira Kumar strongly condemned the incident in the Lok Sabha and said, the Indian democracy which is admired world over for its glorious traditions, has been marred by this unsavoury incident. The Speaker said, she will hold consultations with political parties in this regard.

The Ministers of State, Rajiv Shukla and RPN Singh also condemned the incident. They said that strict action will be taken against the members involved in violence in the House.