Condemning the unprecedented scuffle in Lok Sabha over Telangana, Congress on Thursday favoured "strictest possible punishment" against its MP from Seemandhra L Rajagopal, saying it will be the "end of democracy" if such "internal attacks" recur.
Rajagopal was suspended from the Lok Sabha by Speaker Meira Kumar for his pepper spray attack in the House.
Unprecedented pandemonium marked by fisticuffs, pepper spraying and breaking of mike was today witnessed in Lok Sabha as the government introduced the controversial Telangana bill.
"I cannot find strong enough words to condemn such unspeakable denigration of the hallowed portals, the very foundation of Parliamentary democracy. We unequivocally condemn it."
"Such individuals and such incidents irrespective of provocations, irrespective of political differences, irrespective of the issues, make us into a laughing stock...All sane persons, who believe in demcoracy should condemn it," Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singvi said.
He said if such "physical consequences" are allowed due to differences on any issue in Parliament, then it will be the "end of democracy".
Singhvi said Congress not only condemns the incident but also favours "strictest possible punishment" as per rules and regulations, which he said only Speaker, being the Presiding Officer of the House, can decide.
{{/usCountry}}Singhvi said Congress not only condemns the incident but also favours "strictest possible punishment" as per rules and regulations, which he said only Speaker, being the Presiding Officer of the House, can decide.
{{/usCountry}}Singhvi dismissed comparisons of the incident with terrorist attack on Parliament noting that there is a need to "maintain a sense of balance".