MPs clash in LS after BJP members call CPM 'terrorists'

Raising the issue during the Zero Hour, senior CPI(M) leader P Karunakaran took strong exception to some BJP members calling CPM as "terrorists".

New Delhi, Aug 3: Members of the CPI(M) and the BJP on Thursday clashed in the Lok Sabha after the former objected to some BJP members' remarks attacking them over the political violence in Kerala.

Raising the issue during the Zero Hour, senior CPI(M) leader P Karunakaran took strong exception to some BJP members calling Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the party's general secretary Sitaram Yechury and the party "terrorists" on Wednesday in the House.

The BJP members indulged in heated exchanges as other CPI(M) members also vociferously protested the remarks made by two BJP members' remarks during the Zero Hour yesterday. Karunakaran also said as per rules, the BJP MPs cannot name or attack those who are not present in the House and are not in a position to defend themselves.

The House witnessed noisy scenes and Karunakaran could not be heard further due to the din, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House briefly.

When the House met again, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan did not allow him to raise the issue again, saying whatever he had said had gone on record. Protesting Left members then trooped into the well with Mohammad Salim (CPI-M) being heard asking the Chair not to "succumb to pressure tactics" of the ruling party members.

Mahajan then allowed Karunakaran to speak again. He said the Kerala chief minister has been holding meetings with members of the RSS, the Left and other stake holders to end violence and said many Left workers have been also been killed over the years. Yechury was also attacked, he said.

Making this House a Kurukshetra or a Karmashetra is up to you!

The BJP members were unsatisfied by the response and continued to speak out of turn in the Lower House. At this, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said that the Lower House is a space for the members, whether they wish to convert it into a kurukshetra (battleground) or a karmakshetra (work field) is their choice.

PTI