Sonia signals Seemandhra MPs to maintain decorum

Soon after the monsoon session of Parliament began, Seemandhra Congress MPs raised slogans in support of a United Andhra Pradesh.

Holding placards, the MPs raised slogans of 'we want justice'. The MPs went to the Speaker's podium demanding a discussion on the issue. The Speaker directed them to take up the issue in the Zero hour.

However, AICC chief Sonia Gandhi signalled the MPs asking them to step back and occupy their respective seats. When Sonia directed the MPs to maintain decorum, Kanumuri Bapi Raju returned to his seat but continued to raise slogans. Others did not pay heed to Sonia's warnings, it is learnt.

The Speaker also read out the names of the MPs who resigned in support of Samaikyandhra.

Lagadapati Rajagopal, S. P. Y. Reddy, Harsha Kumar, Kanumuri Bapi Raju and Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy were among those who created a ruckus in the House.

Even as PM Manmohan Singh appealed for smooth functioning of monsoon session and hoped that the session would be productive, Seemandhra leaders created a ruckus in the House making it almost impossible to carry on with the proceedings.

As the MPs did not pay heed to the Speaker's request, the house was adjourned till noon. On the other hand, MPs from the Bodland too raised slogans demanding a separate state.

- Siva@sakshipost