Telangana, Tamil fishermen issues rock RS

Uproar over Telangana statehood issue, killing of a student from Arunachal Pradesh in Delhi and plight of Tamil fishermen today disrupted proceedings in the Rajya Sabha, leading to two adjournments before lunch.

As soon as the House met for the day, members from different political parties demanded a discussion on the death of Nido Taniam after he was beaten up in the national capital last week.

Chairman Hamid Ansari agreed to it.

When Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP) rose to speak, AIADMK members rushed to Well demanding a discussion on the arrest of Tamil fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities.

TDP members also came rushing to the Well opposing bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.

Ansari pleaded with the agitating members to respect the dead. However, as din continued, he adjourned the House till noon.

When the House reassembled, TDP members C M Ramesh and Y S Choudhary trooped into the Well opposing any move to carve out a separate Telanagana from Andhra Pradesh. They were carrying placards saying "Save Andhra Pradesh" and "We Want United Andhra Pradesh".

AIADMK and DMK members too rushed to the Well protesting against the arrest of Tamil fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities and displayed placards saying "Save Fishermen".

SP, Left and Akali Dal members were also on their feet raising various issues, which could not be heard in the din.

As pandemonium continued, Deputy Chairman P J Kurien adjourned the House till 2 PM.