Cong, Left protest in LS over communal remarks of VHP leader

New Delhi, Mar 17: Lok Sabha today witnessed protests by Congress members over the reported communal remarks by a VHP functionary. Even as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan rejected adjournment motion notices given by several Congress members on the issue, they insisted on discussing it during Question Hour itself.

As members from Congress and Left parties trooped into the Well shouting slogans against the Sangh Parivar, Mahajan reminded them that there was an appropriate time to raise issues, indicating Zero Hour. According to reports, a VHP functionary justified the demolition of a church in Haryana asking whether Hanuman temple would be allowed to be built in the Vatican. Peeved at the din created by the members, Mahajan said such protests cannot be a "plan" everyday.

"This is not the way... There is an appropriate time to raise issues," she said and requested Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge to listen to her. Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said Question Hour was on and wondered what was happening in the House. In response, Kharge said that despite being very co-operative with the government, the Minister still makes accusations against the Opposition.

"Aap kursi par aa jaiye (please come and sit in the chair)," Mahajan told BJP member Ramesh Bidhuri who was seen vociferously protesting against the Opposition despite the Chair asking all members to remain calm. As the protests continued, a few members from the Treasury benches were heard asking 'where is Rahul Gandhi?'.

PTI