'Accept Niranjan Jyoti's apology, let House function', says PM Modi in Lok Sabha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed again on Friday to the leaders of the opposition parties to show generosity in accepting Member of Parliament Niranjan Jyoti's apology and let the House function properly.

"When one of our colleagues asks for forgiveness, we should show generosity. It is our responsibility that we should stay within principles. When the minister has apologized, then every party leader should accept it and get on with work in the national interest," Prime Minister Modi said in the Lok Sabha.

His remarks came even as the standoff over first time MP Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti's inappropriate remarks continued in the Parliament.

Earlier today, Rahul Gandhi and other opposition MPs tied a black cloth around their mouths in protest against Jyoti's comment.

"It is the mindset of the top leaders of the country to not allow democratic conversation in the House. The attitude is to not let people's expression be heard in the House," Rahul told the media.

The Prime Minister had said in the Rajya Sabha yesterday that he had already criticized such language at several meetings outside the House, and the opposition must accept Niranjan Jyoti's apology.

Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti had earlier this week used abusive words to urge voters to choose between candidates, while addressing voters in west Delhi's Shyam Nagar but later tendered an apology in the both the Houses of Parliament and said that she did not intend to hurt anybody by her statement.