Apprehending violence on the floor of the House, Uttar Pradesh assembly Speaker Kesri Nath Tripathi has ordered unprecedented security measures during the budget session commencing February 28.
"Even MLAs will not be allowed to step into the House with bags or briefcases," a source close to the speaker told rediff.com
A proposal for the installation of an x-ray scanner in addition to the existing metal detectors is also in the pipeline.
A decision to this effect was supposed to have been taken at the behest of Chief Minister Mayawati, who was alarmed over the opposition's threat to raise the issue of 'misuse' of the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
Mayawati, who is paranoid about her safety, which has already been enhanced nearly to the level of the prime minister, wanted foolproof security in the assembly.
It was not uncommon for MLAs to carry their bags or briefcases inside the legislature.
"But we cannot take chances anymore; after all, there is a history of mikes being unscrewed and used as missiles as a result of which some members suffered serious injuries as well," a senior official said.
A free for all had ensued between the treasury and opposition benches in 1995 after Mayawati withdrew support to the then Samajwadi Party government headed by Mulayam Singh Yadav. Slippers, shoes, mikes and even lids of the wooden desks were pulled out and hurled at rivals.
