The controversial filming of Parliament security by Aam Aadmi Party MP Bhagwant Mann rocked both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on Friday, with lawmakers – mostly from the ruling NDA – demanding strong action against him, creating an uproar which led to a washout of the proceedings.
Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, who summoned Mann and obtained his “unconditional apology”, termed it a “serious issue” and assured protesting members that some action would be taken.
Both Houses saw trouble from the start, with members mostly from NDA constituents Akali Dal, BJP and Shiv Sena, saying Mann had compromised the security of Parliament by making and uploading on social media the video film which showed the route, his access, and protective arrangements.
They were joined by members of Congress and Left parties in demanding action against him.
The uproar led to repeated adjournments of both Houses before the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day minutes after noon and the Rajya Sabha at around 2:40 pm.
In the nearly 12-minute long video, Mann is seen giving a running commentary as his vehicle crosses security barricades and enters Parliament.
“I’ll show you today something you would not have seen earlier,” he is heard saying. Mann then enters a room where questions to be taken up inside Parliament are being sorted and describes the process.
As soon as Lok Sabha met for the day, NDA members raised the issue, terming it as security breach. As Mann watched, Kirit Somaiya (BJP) demanded his disqualification as an MP while his party colleague RK Singh, a former Home Secretary, said the AAP member had put a question mark on the security of the sensitive complex.
He demanded a breach of privilege motion be brought against Mann.
While NDA members were raising the issue from their benches, RJD and SP members held placards over quota, apparently expressing their anguish over delay in passage of a bill on reservation in promotions.
Amid the uproar, the Speaker adjourned the House till 12 pm. During the adjournment, Mann met her and apologised. When the House met again, Mahajan said the matter was “serious” and under her consideration, adding that 13 people had laid down their lives for the security of Parliament, in reference to the 2001 terror attack.
(With inputs from PTI)
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