The Mahabubnagar Zilla Parishad meeting witnessed unprecedented scenes when ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti Achampet MLA Guvvala Balaraju slapped Makthal Congress MLA P. Rammohan Reddy after a heated argument on Friday afternoon.

The ugly episode which was aired by almost all the Telugu television channels took place in the presence of at least two TRS Ministers Jupally Krishna Rao and Laxma Reddy and other senior district officials.

Trouble arose first after the TDP MLA from Narayanpet Rajendra Reddy tried to speak at the meeting. Minister Jupally Krishna Rao alleged that the A.P. Chief Minister N.Chandrababu Naidu had reportedly written a letter to the Centre opposing construction of Palamur lift irrigation scheme. The TRS ZPTC and MPP members demanded that the TDP MLA first ensure that the letter was withdrawn by the A.P. Chief Minister.

In the meantime, the Congress legislators led by Mr.Rammohan Reddy rushed to the podium and protested that they be given a chance to speak. The TRS MLA Balaraju also rushed to the podium and entered into an argument with the the Congress MLA and others.

Amid heated arguments, Mr. Balaraju slapped the Congress MLA leading to tense moments. Minutes later, the TRS MLA squatted in front of the ZP Chairperson’s podium alleging that he was allegedly abused by the Congress MLA. He demanded that the police register Prevention of SC/ST Atrocities Act against the Congress legislator.

The issue snowballed further with the Congress legislators and other ZPTC and MPP chiefs staging a walkout and holding blocking of vehicular traffic in front of the ZP meeting hall. Police had a tough time controlling the agitating Congress workers, who raised slogans against the TRS leadership.

Congress Legislature Party leader K. Jana Reddy condemned the incident and charged that it was unbecoming of the TRS leaders to behave in highly objectionable manner. He demanded stern action against the erring TRS MLA.