The Lower House on Tuesday saw ruckus after members of the Congress party questioned the impartiality of Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. This was strongly objected to by treasury benches who said the Chair cannot be “threatened”.
The ruckus began after Speaker Sumitra Mahajan allowed Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal to make a statement on the cancellation of a food park in Amethi.
Members of the Congress party questioned how the government was being allowed to speak on the same issue repeatedly, whereas their party’s requests for adjournment motions are rejected.
Expressing concern over the Chair allowing the government to issue statements repeatedly on the same issue, Congress member Deepender Hooda said it was not natural justice.
Rejecting Hooda’s contention that the food park issue was talked about five times in the House, Mahajan asked the member to first go through the records and then come back.
“Are you challenging me,” she asked. “If you don’t want me as a Speaker, then I have nothing to say,” a visibly upset Mahajan said.
When the House reconvened, Hooda expressed “deep regret” over his comments.
While raising the issue, if some words were said which were (questioning) about the authority and dignity of the Speaker, then I express deep regret. It was not my intention.
– Deepender Hooda, Congress Member
Urging the Speaker to use her powers “judiciously”, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said that just because the government has the power, “you should not allow them”.
(With inputs from PTI)
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