In an unprecedented move, Speaker K R Suresh Reddy on Wednesday adjourned the proceedings of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly to protest the unruly behaviour of opposition Telugu Desam Party members.
The trouble arose during the question hour when the Opposition parties dragged on a debate about the Backward Classes Finance Corporation for almost one-and-a-half-hours. Senior TDP leader and former home minister T Devender Goud launched a blistering attack on the ruling Congress government. At one stage, he made certain remarks against the chair.
Taken aback by Goud's remark, the Speaker said, "This is not fair. This will not be allowed. This is a most unfortunate incident. Being a senior member, how can you behave like this? I have given you the opportunity to speak and mark your protest. But what are you doing? What more do you want the chair to do?"
The errant TDP members stormed into the well of the House and continued to shout slogans near the podium in spite of repeated appeals by the Speaker to resume their seats.
Raising his voice, the Speaker thundered "Enough is enough. Please go back to your seats. What tamasha is this? You are only making a mockery of democracy," before adjourning the House.
Later, floor leaders of various parties and deputy floor leaders of the TDP went to the Speaker's chambers and persuaded him to return to the House to conduct its proceedings.