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4 suspended MPs apologise
The deadlock on the suspension of seven Rajya Sabha MPs spilled over to next week, though headway was made on Friday with four of them meeting the chairman to express regret for their behaviour.
The deadlock on the suspension of seven Rajya Sabha MPs spilled over to next week, though headway was made on Friday with four of them meeting the chairman to express regret for their behaviour.
The four MPs from the SP, suspended for their violent behaviour, met chairman Hamid Ansari and told him their protest was directed at the government.
Rajya Sabha sources confirmed that Amir Alam Khan, Kamal Akhtar, Nand Kishore Yadav and Veerpal Singh Yadav met the chairman, but declined to provide details of the meeting.
MoS for Parliamentary Affairs V. Narayanswamy said the government “could bring a motion for the revocation of suspension on Monday”. He said since the other three MPs — Sabir Ali (LJP), Subhash Yadav (RJD) and Ejaz Ali (unattached) — were unavailable, the matter couldn’t be resolved.
But Akhtar ruled out apology. “Our fight is with the government... We have no issues with the chairman.”
The 38 year-old MP said the government owed many answers. “On whose direction did the paramilitary forces enter the House? Who ordered the eviction?”
Hectic activity continued in the opposition camp to put an end the acrimonious matter. “When leader of the opposition has apologised, the government insistence on apology from members has complicated the matter,” said one leader.
The other three suspended MPs remained defiant. “I will not apologise...I’m prepared to lose my membership, but my stand remains unchanged,” said Ali.
