Lok Sabha adjourned over CPI-M member's remarks

Differences between some opposition members and those on the treasury benches over a reference by CPI-M member Mohammad Salim to alleged remarks attributed to Home Minister Rajnath Singh forced a brief adjournment of the Lok Sabha on Monday.

Salim, who initiated a discussion in the Lok Sabha on the issue of intolerance, cited remarks attributed to the home minister in a magazine which were contested by those on the treasury benches.

The minister denied making such remarks and said he had been very hurt at the comments attributed to him.

"I am never been so much hurt in my parliamentary life. If a home minister makes such comments, he has no right to be on his post," Rajnath Singh said.

He said the members of the house and people from minority community know that he cannot make such remarks.

Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said Salim's remarks pertaining to the magazine report on the minister will not go on record and she will examine the issue.

"I will give my ruling," she said.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Pratap Rudy said the member should withdraw the comments till their authenticity is ascertained.

Rudy said it will be difficult for members on the treasury benches to sit in the house after allegations "which are dangerous for the country".

Biju Janata Dal member Bhartruhari Mahtab said a member has to give prior notice before levelling allegations against another member.

However, Saugata Roy of Trinamool Congress said there was no denial from the minister after the publication of the report in the magazine.

Salim said his intention was not to hurt the minister and he had done the job of intelligence agencies by telling the minister about the publication of comments attributed to him.

Rudy, however, insisted that Salim should take back his words.

As the standoff continued, the Speaker adjourned the house for an hour.