New Delhi: A statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Parliament today formed the backdrop for protests first by the Opposition and later the ruling BJP amid a row in both houses over a hate speech by union minister Niranjan Jyoti.
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi this morning joined opposition members who covered their mouths with black cloth and held up placards demanding the minister's sacking.
"We are not allowed to speak inside the House. It is the mindset of the top leaders of the country that democratic conversation should not be allowed," Mr Gandhi said.
He and other MPs kept the black bands on inside the Lok Sabha, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged parties to accept the minister's apology and get on with work. "When one of our colleagues asks for forgiveness, we should show generosity," PM Modi said.
Moments after the opposition left the Gandhi statue, it was the turn of BJP members to hit back with an unusual protest there, using, not a black cloth but a song - "Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram", a favourite of Mahatma Gandhi.
Five union ministers were among BJP MPs who sang hymns saying they were praying for "wisdom" to Congress members who had paralysed Parliament with their protests.
"We are praying for the Congress. Their leaders are clearly still depressed about their defeat, and that's why these antics every day," said the BJP's Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, a union minister.
The Congress, in a rare show of unity, has combined with other parties, both for this morning's demonstration and to stall Parliament.
Niranjan Jyoti, who is 47, apologised to lawmakers on Tuesday for her Sunday speech in which she said, "The people of Delhi have to decide if they want a government of Ramzaadon (descendants of Ram) or haramzaadon (those who are illegitimately born)."
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi this morning joined opposition members who covered their mouths with black cloth and held up placards demanding the minister's sacking.
"We are not allowed to speak inside the House. It is the mindset of the top leaders of the country that democratic conversation should not be allowed," Mr Gandhi said.
Moments after the opposition left the Gandhi statue, it was the turn of BJP members to hit back with an unusual protest there, using, not a black cloth but a song - "Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram", a favourite of Mahatma Gandhi.
Advertisement
"We are praying for the Congress. Their leaders are clearly still depressed about their defeat, and that's why these antics every day," said the BJP's Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, a union minister.
Advertisement
Niranjan Jyoti, who is 47, apologised to lawmakers on Tuesday for her Sunday speech in which she said, "The people of Delhi have to decide if they want a government of Ramzaadon (descendants of Ram) or haramzaadon (those who are illegitimately born)."
COMMENTS
Advertisement
"Ants Everywhere": Tenants Reveal State Of Indian-Origin UK MP's Flats 12 Members Elected Unopposed To Rajya Sabha, NDA Touches Majority Mark BJP Schools Actor-MP Kangana Ranaut Over Controversial Farmer Remarks Celebrated "Russian Spy" Whale Hvaldimir Found Dead In Norway: Report Manipur Chief Minister Slams Tejashwi Yadav Over "Racist" Jab At Himanta Sarma What Is Symbiosexuality? New Form Of Sexual Attraction Explained By Experts "I Only Hope...": Actor Jayasurya Breaks Silence On Sex Harassment Charges Over 700 Protestors Sent To Security Jails In Venezuela After Elections TS ICET Counselling 2024 Registration Process Begins Today Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.