Amaravati, March 21 (IANS): Women legislators of the ruling TDP and the lone opposition YSR Congress in Andhra Pradesh nearly came to blows in the premises of the legislative assembly here on Tuesday.

There was heavy pushing and jostling between the two groups as they tried to snatch mikes from each other.

Trouble broke out when TDP's V. Anitha tried to stop YSR Congress member G. Eshwari, who was addressing mediapersons over the increasing atrocities on women in the state. There was a heated argument between the two.

Minutes later, Minister for Women Welfare P. Sujata and other TDP members reached there. 

As Eshwari continued to speak and criticise the government, Sujata pulled the podium with several TV channel mikes on it towards her. YSR Congress members resisted this.

There was high tension as the two groups pushed each other and almost came to blows. The assembly security personnel intervened to control the situation.

Eashwari alleged that the ruling party was resorting to high-handedness and not allowing them to speak both in the assembly and outside. 

TDP member Anitha alleged that it had become a habit for the opposition members to indulge in rude behaviour.

The women legislators of both parties had been involved in bitter spats.

There was sharp exchange of words between YSR Congress member R.K. Roja and TDP's Sunitha during the assembly session last year. Sunitha had alleged that the actress-turned-politician abused her.

The Privileges Committee of the assembly, which probed the incident, last week recommended that Roja be suspended from House for one year.