Chappell comment sparks row in Bengal assembly

Kolkata, Nov 27 (UNI) Team India coach Greg Chappell's 'derogatory' remarks yesterday against members of Parliament rocked the West Bengal assembly today leading to uproarious scenes twice during the business session.

Cutting across political affiliations members of almost all the parties raised the issue during question hour and the mention period, demanding an all-party resolution to condemn Chappell's alleged remarks, besides seeking his resignation.

Raising the issue AITC members Saugata Roy,Ashok Deb and Sovandeb Chattopadhyay, besides, CPI(M)'s Robin Mondal and RSP's Jane Alam Mian flayed Chappell for his purported remark towards Lok Sabha members and downgrading the image of the august House.

Demanding an 'unconditional' apology from the Team India coach, they said he should be sacked immediately for the team's ''continuous poor performance''.

Intervening in the issue Speaker Hasim Abdul Halim made it clear that the matter did not come within the jurisdiction of any state Assembly.

''Since his alleged comments were directed against Parliament and its members,it comes within their purview only to discuss the issue and take any subsequent action,if necessary,'' the Speaker said.

But when the issue was again raised during the mention period, Robin Mondal, chairing the procedings, expressed his full support to the members' concern.

But despite repeated pleas, he also refused to adopt any resolution against the coach amid shouting of anti-Chappell slogans by some members.

UNI ABA PL AY VV1611