Bring back Kohinoor, Rajya Sabha members urge

The issue of getting the Kohinoor back from Britain figured in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday as members cutting across party lines voiced support for it. Even house Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien said everyone would be "happy" if the gem is brought back.

The issue was raised by Biju Janata Dal (BJD) member Bhupinder Singh during zero hour. He said: "Maharaja Ranjeet Singh, in his last will, said he wanted to give it (Kohinoor) to Lord Jagannath in Puri."

He said the will was fished out when India was observing 50 years of its independence.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) member urged Leader of House Arun Jaitley to take action in the matter, adding: "We would urge the Leader of the House to show some action... What you said in the Supreme Court is not right. Duleep Singh was taken to Dalhousie and converted, and they said he offered it (Kohinoor)... It is wrong."

Several members from the ruling and opposition benches backed the BJD member's zero hour mention.

"All will be happy if the Kohinoor is brought back... Every member will be happy if it is brought back," Kurien then said.

--IANS

ao/rn/vm