A youth allegedly attempted suicide in support of Telangana demand during an official programme attended by a ruling Congress MLA in Warangal on Thursday.

A group of Telangana Rashtra Samithi activists and other Telangana supporters asked Congress MLA B Saraiah why he did not quit his post in support of separate Telangana.

The MLA was participating in 'Praja Patham' programme where public representatives and officials interact with people on public issues. As a heated debate was on between Saraiah and the Telangana supporters, Ranjit, who works in an automobile service centre, poured kerosene on himself and threatened to set himself ablaze.

His attempt was foiled by policemen and others. Saraiah told PTI that some kerosene fell on him during the incident. He had to wipe his face with a towel. Describing himself as a strong supporter of Telangana demand, Saraiah said separate Telangana would be possible only with Congress.

Expressing anger over the incident, Congress workers held a demonstration raising slogans against TRS President K Chandrasekhar Rao. TRS activists also held a demonstration against the MLA.