NEW DELHI : The Lok Sabha on Wednesday witnessed verbal duels on three contentious issues pertaining to inter-State disputes between Maharashtra and Karnataka, Orissa's grievance over location of a national institute and the killing of a BJP legislator in Uttar Pradesh. Speaker Somnath Chatterjee expressed regret over the approach of some of the members in disrupting the proceedings and raising issues without proper notice.

As soon as the House assembled, Shiv Sena members sought to raise the row with Karnataka over "Belgaum merger with Maharashtra" in the backdrop of a recent controversial resolution and related incidents. Karnataka MPs, Anant Kumar and D.B. Sadanand Gowda (both BJP) too joined issue.

In spite of repeated requests by Mr. Chatterjee, the Sena members continued to voice their protest demanding dismissal of the Karnataka Government and a statement from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who was in the House.

Mr. Chatterjee expressed concern over the Opposition disrupting the Question Hour. "Are you helping your case... what is happening in the House. You did not even meet me [in the chamber] and are not interested in raising the matter in a proper manner... I totally sympathise but not this way." When some members insisted that Dr. Singh offer his comments, the Speaker was heard stating that "even the PM needs permission of the Chair."

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