Rajya Sabha paralysed again; Opposition targets V K Singh, Mohan Bhagwat
New Delhi: Rajya Sabha was paralysed for the second consecutive on Friday, with the some opposition parties gunning for minister V K Singh for his 'dog' remarks and some others creating ruckus over RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's reported comments on Ram temple.
No government business could be transacted as the House was adjourned repeatedly as members of BSP and Congress pressed for ouster of Singh from the Council of Ministers as well as Parliament for 'dog' analogy after the killing of two Dalit children in Haryana.
Adding to the pandemonium, members of Samajwadi Party protested against Bhagwat's remarks that 'ground should be prepared' for building Ram Temple in Ayodhya and demanded action against him. The government ruled out any action against Singh, arguing that he has already clarified on the issue.
With regard to Bhagwat's comments, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said people have "fundamental right" to reiterate commitment for construction of a temple but the government will respect the court's decision.
Ruckus began soon after the House met for the day and mourned the death of former member M A M Ramaswamy. BSP chief Mayawati said the government's attitude over Singh's comments was "very sad and unfortunate".
As Deputy Chairman P J Kurien disallowed her and asked her to give a notice for making a statement, her party members rushed into the Well raising anti-government slogans. Not to be left behind, Naresh Agarwal (SP) raised the issue of Bhagwat's comments.
Kurien did not allow this as well and asked them to make mentions during the Zero Hour. "Please give notice. This is against rules. You cannot make a statement without notice," he said. Immediately thereafter, SP members rushed into the Well of the House raising slogans.
Mayawati alleged that social and communal atmosphere in the country has deteriorated since BJP came to power, as the government instead of taking action against the rabble-rousers was indulging in soft-peddling such issues.
"Dalit virodhi yeh sarkar nahi chalegi, nahi chalegi (anti-Dalit government will not be allowed)", "V K Singh murdabad (down with V K Singh)", the BSP members shouted.
With members of the two parties not listening to his pleas for order, Kurien adjourned the House for 15 minutes.
Similar scenes were seen when the House met at 11.30 am with slogan-shouting BSP members again trooping into the Well.
Referring to his tenure in Army, Singh said his credentials as a person who does not believe in dividing on caste or religious lines developed in this institution.
"I am not a slick lawyer or someone who has used the political system to his personal advantage but I stand firm on my convictions of being well away from divisiveness that has plagued the nation.
"I am also convinced that people of the country are wise enough to see the cheap popularity stratagem being adopted by some political parties," he said.
Mounting a fresh attack, Congress yesterday had decided to boycott Singh in both Houses of Parliament till he apologises for his controversial comments.
