Rajya Sabha disrupted over MP's parliament video

Aam Aadmi Party's Lok Sabha member Bhagwant Mann's video on social media showing details of his entry into Parliament House was widely condemned on Friday by Rajya Sabha members, who demanded strict action against him.

The proceedings in the upper house were stalled for the day, as ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members trooped near the Chairman's podium shouting slogans and demanding Man's dismissal from the house.

The AAP MP on Thursday uploaded a video clip of his entry into Parliament House, including going past various security pickets, and drew thick flak from various quarters for putting the security of Parliament House in peril.

The controversial video was on Mann's Facebook page till Friday morning, and was removed later in the day.

"He went through the security and put everything on the social media," Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) member Naresh Gujral said.

Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien pointed out that the member belonged to the Lok Sabha and that house should take up the issue.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said Mann's action could give out details of Parliament security to terrorists.

"You are giving all details to the terrorists... And he said he will post more such videos," said the minister.

"This is not a technical issue. It is an issue of national security. There should be action against the person who did this," Naqvi said.

Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said it was a "major threat" which should not be overlooked.

Congress leader Anand Sharma said during the 2001 Parliament attack, the terrorists had lost their way.

"Our Parliament has seen a dastardly attack. They came from gate number 12, but lost their way. Our watch and ward staff was alert and they shut the doors. The firing was on while the Prime Minister and the whole Cabinet was in this house," he said.

"The security procedures have to be a secret," he said, adding that the Lok Sabha should take action against the MP.

Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury said it was also a matter of breach of privilege.

"It is also a matter of privilege. What I am saying in this house is also a privilege which is not to be disclosed in public unless decided so. Action should be taken and the Chair should convey our sentiment to the other house," he said.

The discussions led to a ruckus, and ruling BJP members then trooped near the Chairman's podium, after which Kurien adjourned the house till 12 noon.

When the house met again, the scene was no different and Chairman Hamid Ansari adjourned the House till 2.30 pm.

Post-lunch, as Deputy Chairman Kurien tried to take up the private members' bills, BJP members once again trooped near the Chairman's podium.

Anand Sharma hit at the ruling party for disrupting the house, and said: "The leader of the house should inform what action is being taken. If he (the erring member) has to be arrested, it will be done by the government."

Kurien also questioned why the ruling party members were disrupting the proceedings.

"Treasury benches are obstructing (the proceedings)... usually it is the opposition. Today you are disrupting..." he said.

As the protests continued, the house was adjourned for the day.

The video, posted by Mann on Thursday morning, shows him entering Parliament House complex and he explains how the radio tag on his registered car allows him to enter the complex. He then shows his way inside to the notice office of the Lok Sabha on the ground floor of Parliament complex, and the procedure of submitting and selection of questions.

--IANS

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