Nandigram issue rocks Lok Sabha

Mamata Banerjee demands scrapping of the existing Land Acquisition Act and framing of a new policy to protect farmers' interests.

The Nandigram issue rocked Lok Sabha on Tuesday with an emotional Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee demanding scrapping of the existing Land Acquisition Act and framing of a new policy to protect farmers' interests.

As soon as Banerjee mentioned the Nandigram issue during Zero Hour, Speaker Somnath Chatterjee objected to it saying "it is a state matter. I will not allow it to be raised here".

HT Image

BJP members immediately stood up vociferously protesting against Speaker's remarks.

An angry Speaker told BJP deputy leader VK Malhotra that "every day you object to state matters being raised in the House. But, now you are encouraging her (Banerjee) to do the same".

BJP members have been vehemently objecting to treasury benches raising the Gujarat fake encounter killing issue in the House.

Heated exchanges followed between CPI-M members and Banerjee with the Speaker at one point in a lighter vein advising her to ignore the comments from the Left party when she complained that they were trying to provoke her.

At one stage, there was a verbal duel between Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary and Sunil Khan.

After his plea to restore calm went unheeded, the Speaker adjourned the House for the lunch recess ahead of schedule.