Uproar in Par over Ambedkar cartoon, Aircel-Maxis issue

Carrying photocopies of the cartoon, members of BSP, SP, RJD, AIADMK and CPI rushed into the Well in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, forcing two adjournments of both Houses before lunch.

BSP members in Rajya Sabha raised the cartoon issue during Question Hour twice when HRD Minister Kapil Sibal was replying to a question relating to OBC students in IITs, IIMs and central universities.

Brajesh Pathak (BSP) demanded action against those responsible for publishing the cartoon, as his supporters shouted slogans like 'Dalit virodhi yeh sarkar nahin chalegi', 'Babasaheb ka yeh apamaan, nahin sahega Hindustan' (This anti-Dalit government won't continue, India will not tolerate disrespect to Ambedkar).

The agitated members demanded sacking of Sibal, who could not be heard in the din.

Amid uproar, the House was adjourned for about 15 minutes.

As BSP members shouted that they did not want to listen to a reply from someone who was responsible for it, D Raja (CPI) tabled a notice for a discussion on the issue which could not be taken up.

The Upper House was adjourned for a brief period again after it reassembled.

In the Lok Sabha too, similar scenes were witnessed as Thirumaa Valavan Thol (VCK) trooped into the Well waving placards claiming insult to Ambedkar in a cartoon in an Class XI NCERT textbook. BSP members raised slogans demanding dismissal of Sibal.

The House was first adjourned till noon and then till 2 PM amid uproar. (More)