Unprecedented scenes, including high-pitched and heated arguments, were witnessed at the Mahabubnagar Zilla Parishad meeting on Friday. The pandemonium rose to a crescendo after the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti MLA Guvvala Balaraju (Achampet) slapped Congress MLA Chittem Ramamohan Reddy (Makthal).
The ugly episode that was aired by the Telugu television channels took place in the presence of two TRS Ministers, Jupally Krishna Rao and Laxma Reddy, and other senior district officials.
Trouble broke out after the TDP MLA from Narayanpet, Rajendra Reddy, tried to speak at the meeting. Minister Krishna Rao alleged that AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had reportedly written a letter to the Centre opposing construction of Palamur lift irrigation scheme. Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency members and Mandal Praja Parishad presidents demanded that the TDP MLA ensure that the letter was taken back by Mr. Naidu.
Meanwhile, Congress legislators led by Ramamohan Reddy rushed to the podium and protested, demanding that they be given a chance to speak. Mr. Balaraju also rushed to the podium, leading to an argument with the Congress MLA and others. One thing led to the other and Mr. Balaraju delivered a slap on the left cheek of Mr. Reddy, an act that was captured by still and movie cameras.
Interestingly, just a few minutes later, the TRS MLA squatted in front of the ZP chairperson’s podium alleging that he was abused by the Congress MLA and demanded that the police register Prevention of SC/ST Atrocities Act against the Congress legislator.
The issue got further worse when the Congress legislators and other ZPTC and MPP chiefs staged a walkout and blocked the traffic in front of the ZP meeting hall. The police had a tough time controlling the agitating Congress workers, who raised slogans against the TRS leadership.
Mahabubnagar bandh
The party has given a call for Mahabubnagar bandh on Saturday protesting the assault on party MLA.
High-pitched arguments at Mahabubnagar ZP meeting
