Amid an uproar, AAP MP Bhagwant

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Jul 22 2016 | 3:57 PM IST
Amid an uproar, AAP MP Bhagwant
Mann today gave an unconditional apology over his video filming of the Parliament security as he was summoned by Lok Speaker Sumitra Mahajan who will consult political parties for "appropriate action" into the "too serious" matter.
Mann was pulled by the Speaker when he appeared before her at 11.10 am, sources in her office said.
As the issue rocked both Houses of Parliament with MPs demanding strong action against him, the Lok Sabha member from Sangrur said he had made the "mistake inadvertently" and that he had no intention of compromising the security of Parliament.
In his apology letter submitted to the Speaker, Mann said when he was coming to the House to attend Zero Hour, he had made the video by mistake as "I did not know that it is against the rules".
Contending that he had no intention of compromising the security of Parliament, he said, "I apologise unconditionally. I will not repeat it in future."
The Speaker, however, was not impressed by his apology, saying it was a matter "too serious" considering that Parliament has been attacked by terrorists once.
Mahajan later told reporters that if it had been a matter concerning the proceedings inside the House, she would have taken action immediately.
However, since it is a matter relating to the Parliament complex, she would consult political parties for "appropriate action".
She said this matter is above ethics or privilege as it concerns the security of Parliament and MPs who are the representatives of the people.
The sources said the Speaker saw the controversial video
film last evening and was shocked, wondering if every MP indulges in such an act, how then the dignity of Parliament could be maintained.
Before Mahajan came to the House, a number of MPs from Akali Dal, BJP and Shiv Sena met her and demanded action against Mann, the sources said.
After her meeting with Mann, the Speaker held consultations with Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai and some other leaders to take suggestions on the matter.
She also sought details about the protective arrangements from a Parliamentary Committee looking after security of the complex.
A number of members in Lok Sabha, including those from Akali Dal, BJP and Shiv Sena had given notices for Adjournment Motion to discuss the issue.
Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed uproar over the issue, with MPs demanding strong action against Mann, saying he had compromised the security of Parliament.
Due to the uproar, both Houses could not transact any business and had to be adjourned for the day prematurely.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jul 22 2016 | 3:57 PM IST

Next Story