Harikrishna argues with Kurien over Telugu speech

TDP MP Nandamuri Harikrishna entered into an argument with Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien after he objected to his speech in Telugu on the issue of AP's bifurcation.

Stating that Harikrishna came 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 as he did not intimate him about the same in advance. He said that the Chair should understand the language to take note if the member uses any 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 any language and everyone has a right to speak in their mother tongue.

The Deputy Chairman said that he respects all the languages including Telugu. However, as per the rule the member should give advance notice to speak in his mother tongue so that the Chair must know what he was speaking. Despite objection, Hari Krishna went on with his speech in Telugu.