'Anarchists' remark not an allegation: Ansari

With his 'anarchists' remark evoking sharp reaction from Opposition, Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari today maintained it was not an allegation against anybody and said his secretariat will review it in light of the atmosphere prevailing in the House at that time.

With his "anarchists" remark evoking sharp reaction from Opposition, Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari on Wednesday maintained it was not an allegation against anybody and said his secretariat will review it in light of the atmosphere prevailing in the House at that time.

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"I will ask the secretariat to review the remarks (made yesterday) in light of the record they have," he said responding to an impromptu discussion arising out of his remark.

As the House was in turmoil over various issues, Ansari had observed, "Every single rule in the rule book, every single etiquette is being violated...If the Hon'ble members wish the House to become a federation of anarchists, then it is a different matter." He said on Wednesday that the Chair is not part of the government and his endeavour has been to run the House according to the rule book.

"Time has come for us to review our practices and rules and carry out changes as necessary," he said, adding he would soon call a meeting of leaders to discuss how rules need to be amended.

Ansari said he used the expression as it was a proper name and several bodies exist in the world with this name. There is also an international association by this name whose principles are abolition of all forms of authority.

"If you read what I said (yesterday) I said with condition ... not as an allegation, or attributing it to anybody. If a question is posed, it cannot be an allegation," he clarified.

While Opposition members urged him to withdraw the word "anarchists", the treasury benches and parties supporting the government said members need to do introspection on their behaviour in the House.

Ansari said, "Chair is not part of the government...not as Chair. In another capacity, in state set-up, yes. Chair (in the House) is referee (as) in hockey or football field. Chair has been given a rule book, a yellow card and a red card."

"He or she is expected to allow the game to be played as per rule...that is what the Chair has endeavoured to do," he said. "I will ask the secretariat to review the remarks (made yesterday) in light of the record they have."