Opposition BJP raises Gavit issue in Lok Sabha

New Delhi, Aug 14: The Opposition BJP today demanded a discussion in the Lok Sabha on a television report showing an alleged conversation between Union Minister of State for Home Manik Rao Gavit and a jailed mafia don.

The issue was raised by BJP leader Vijay Kumar Malhotra as soon as the Lower House assembled this morning.

"This is a very serious issue, a Union Minister of State for Home talking to a mafia don who is in a jail in Uttar Pradesh," said Mr Malhotra.

Speaker Somnath Chatterjee informed the House that Home Minister Shivraj Patil will make a statement on the issue after the Question Hour.

"I have been informed of the issue. I have also seen the television report," said Mr Chatterjee.

The BJP had earlier given a notice to the Speaker seeking a discussion on the issue.

The Speaker also was to meet leaders of various parties to decide whether to allow a discussion on the issue.

The television report showed the alleged conversation between Mr Gavit and Sundar Singh Bhati about deals and money.

Mr Gavit has denied it was his voice in the TV tapes.

UNI