Government to speak Friday on Shiv Sena MP row

The government Thursday told the Rajya Sabha it will inform the house Friday about facts of the incident in which a Shiv Sena MP tried to force food into the mouth of a Maharashtra Sadan Muslim staffer who was observing Ramadan fast.

As soon as the upper house met Thursday, opposition members were on their feet seeking a clarification from government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the house.

While Chairman M. Hamid Ansari urged the members to let the question hour proceed, responding to it opposition members asked the government to confirm when would it come out with the details of the incident.

"I do agree it is a very sensitive matter, the chair had instructed to ascertain the facts... We will ascertain the facts and come back by tomorrow (Friday)," said Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu.

Shiv Sena MP Rajan Vichare was seen in a video clip trying to force food into the mouth of the Muslim staffer of Maharashtra Sadan here.

It kicked off a political storm Wednesday, with parliament witnessing an uproar.

The Congress targeted the Narendra Modi government for the act.

Vichare defended his action, saying he had no idea about the man's religion. However, he later expressed regret.

The Shiv Sena is a part of ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).