The Congress-led UPA government finally tabled the Telangana Bill in the Lok Sabha in order to create the new state but in an unprecedented display of opposition, suspended Vijayawada MP L Rajagopalan used pepper spray on his fellow MPs, resulting in the house proceedings being adjourned.
After the first hour of Lok Sabha was adjourned, the Telangana Bill was moved at 12 pm by Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde which was quickly tabled after a voice vote.
However, Congress MP from the Seemandhra region L Rajagopal, who was protesting against the bill in the well of the house, reportedly whipped out a canister of spray and liberally sprayed it all over the house.
Telangana MPs were protesting outside Parliament yesterday. PTI
The spray, suspected to be pepper spray, resulted in many of the MPs coughing and television visuals showed Speaker Meira Kumar coughing before quickly leaving the Lower House of Parliament.
Other MPs complained of irritation in their eyes and difficulty in breathing.
Opposition MPs were seen looking on in shock and amusement even as marshals restrained Rajagopal and proceedings were adjourned.
Speaking to CNN-IBN before Parliamentary proceedings, L Rajagopal said that he would not allow the bill to be passed and when asked how he would stop the bill he said, "You will have to wait and see."
The Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned even as medical staff were called into action to treat the affected MPs.
Three MPs were taken in an ambulance from Parliament, reported CNN-IBN, adding that the nature of their injuries wasn't known.
High security measures were in place ahead of today's proceedings as some MPs had even suggested they could attempt suicide to protest against the creation of the new state. However, MPs cannot be body searched before they enter Parliament.
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