Murli Deora committed breach of privilege: JD(U)

New Delhi, Apr 30 (UNI) The T R Baalu issue continued to haunt the Rajya Sabha today with opposition members objecting to Petroleum Minister Murli Deora's statement to the media yesterday defending the Shipping and Transport Minister against allegations of favouritism and misuse of office.

The issue was raised by Mr Digvijay Singh of the JD(U) after the Question Hour, saying the Petroleum Minister had committed a Breach of Privilege by speaking to the media and giving Mr Baalu a clean chit.

He said Mr Deora was supposed to give a statement before Parliament today on the issue after the government announced yesterday that it would give a response today.

''What will he (Mr Deora) speak before Parliament if he has already replied outside Parliament,'' Mr Digvijay Singh added.

Deputy Chairman Rahman Khan said a notice had already been given for 'breach of provilege.' The Chairman would examine it and accordingly take a decision.

His party colleague Sharad Yadav also urged the Chair to take the matter seriously.

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