Both Houses adjourn over Antulay issue

BJP members were on their feet demanding resignation of Union Minister AR Antulay and criticising the Govt for not making a statement on the issue.

Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned for an hour on Tuesday following uproar caused by Opposition BJP over Union Minister AR Antulay's controversial remarks raising doubts over the circumstances that led to the killing of Maharashtra ATS chief Hemant Karkare.

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Soon after Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee made obituary references to former members Baldev Singh Jasrotia and Ashfaq Hussain, BJP members were on their feet demanding resignation of Antulay and criticising the government for not making a statement on the issue.

"We are agitated over a minister taking a stand that has made him a hero in Pakistan," Leader of the Opposition LK Advani said pointing out that the BJP has given a notice for suspension of the Question Hour.

BJP members continued sloganeering over the Antulay issue, while Left members led by Basudeb Acharia were on their feet demanding withdrawal of the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Monday.

An exasperated Chatterjee demanded that the Government make it clear when they are making a statement on the Antulay issue. "Now, I will have to give a direction to make a statement. I want to know when (government is making a statement," the Speaker said.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi, after consultations with other ministers, told the Speaker that a statement would be made at 1200 hours. When this failed to calm the tempers, Speaker adjourned the House till 1200 hours.

In the Rajya Sabha, Chairman Hamid Ansari adjourned the House within minutes of assembling amid a din as BJP and Shiv Sena demanded sacking of Antulay and Left members wanted withdrawal of Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill.