Hindustan Times, New Delhi :
The Telangana bill looked set to be passed in Lok Sabha as voting began after the BJP declared support for the legislation on Tuesday.
Chaos, however, was the order of the day as MPs suspended for fierce protests over the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh attempted to enter the House while the bill was being discussed.
Marshals were called in to stop lawmakers from disrupting proceedings inside Parliament, while Speaker Meria Kumar asked for the telecast of session to be stopped, TV channels reported.
Unfazed by vociferous protests, the Central government on Tuesday moved the controversial Telangana bill for consideration and passage in Lok Sabha.
Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde moved the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, 2014 for consideration even though ministers and MPs from Seemandhra region trooped into the Well of the House opposing bifurcation of the state.
“I already moved the bill… it is to be taken into consideration and passing,” said Shinde.
News channels reported that after last week’s unprecedented scenes in Lok Sabha when expelled Seemandhra Congress MP L Rajagopal used pepper spray on the floor of the House, marshals, ambulances and fire brigade vehicles have been kept on a standby.
Vehicles approaching the Parliament building are being checked and barricades have been put all around the complex with riot police also deployed.
Member had to walk to the Parliament building as the main entrance was blocked for vehicles. Their bags were also checked and they have been barred from filming videos or taking photos in the house.
The speaker will decide on whether lawmakers will also be frisked or subjected to a body scan, according to reports.
Sixteen members from the region, belonging to Congress, Telegu Desam Party (TDP) and YSR Congress, were suspended from the House last Thursday till February 20 after unprecedented pandemonium.
