Fernandes comments on PM

New Delhi, Aug 17: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi today demanded an apology from NDA Convenor George Fernandes for making derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Upon this demand during zero hour, members of the ruling alliance stalled the proceedings, endorsing Mr Dasmunsi's stand.

Sensing the mood of the treasury benches, Speaker Somnath Chatterjee adjourned the House at 1255 hrs till 1345 hours.

Mr Dasmunsi said Mr Fernandes had issued a press statement yesterday, observing that if a Chinese leader had done something similar to the Indo-US nuclear deal he would have been shot in the head. He demanded that Mr Fernandes, who was present in the House, should apologise or the House unanimously adopt a resolution condemning it.

Mr Dasmunsi also said the language of Mr Fernandes showed that the NDA leader was not mentally sound. He urged the Leader of the Opposition to condemn Mr Fernandes' remarks.

Several members from the Treasury Benches came close to the well protesting against the insinuations made against the Prime Minister and demanded that they would not agree to anything less than an apology from Mr Fernandes.

They refused to heed the repeated pleas by the Speaker to go back to their seats.

Mr Chatterjee said the Prime Minister of the country was the highest dignitary and should be given proper respect by all.

The Speaker, however, clarified that he had ''no control'' over any statement made outside the House and could not force any such member to apologise.

When the agitated members did not budge, Mr Chatterjee adjourned the House till 1345 hours.

UNI