TDP MP Nandamuri Harikrishna entered into an argument with Rajya Sabha deputy chairman P J Kurien, after the latter objected to his speech in Telugu on the issue of AP's bifurcation.
Stating that Harikrishna had come in late and was not present in the House when his name was called, Kurien said that he could not deliver the speech in Telugu language since he did not intimate him about the same in advance.
He said that the Chair is required understand the language to take note if the member uses unparliamentary language in the speech.
However, Harikrishna was adamant that he would speak only in Telugu, and accused the deputy chairman of insulting him.
Meanwhile, BJP leader M Venkaiah Naidu intervened and said that the Chair cannot compel any member to speak in a particular language, and said that everyone has a right to speak in their mother tongue.
The deputy chairman replied that he respects all languages, including Telugu, but that as per rules, members must give the Chair advance notices so that the Chair understands what they speak.
Despite objections, however, Harikrishna went on with his speech in Telugu. (INN)