CPM's Sitaram Yechury and Trinamool's Derek O'Brien slam the government on minister's hate remarks
Parliament was brought to a standstill today following a furore over the use of an expletive by Union Minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti at a rally in Delhi on Monday.
Though the minister tendered an apology in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, opposition parties pressed for her resignation.
Here is what leaders said in Parliament:- Sitaram Yechury, CPI (M) leader: "The Honourable Minister came, retracted her words and went away. We cannot accept this. Our demand is that an FIR be filed and she tender her resignation."
- Anand Sharma, Congress leader: "Uncivilised language has been used by ministers in this government. The Prime Minister should give an explanation and remove this minister."
- Sambit Patra, BJP Spokesperson: "I think this was a slip of tongue and she did not have any intention to say something like this. So whatever Sadhvi Niranjanaji said should not be politicized."
- Sharad Yadav, JD(U) President: "This is not an isolated incident. A minister has said those who do not agree can go to Pakistan. This is not good."
- Mayawati, BSP chief: "The language used by a woman Union Minister is against the Constitution. Whichever party forms the government takes an oath by the Constitution. What is she has said is not right. The Centre should take action against her and ask her to resign."
- Digvijaya Singh, Congress leader: "Nothing comes of regret and apology. She must submit her resignation."
- Derek O'Brien, Trinamool leader: "Please grant a visa to the Prime Minister of India to come to the Rajya Sabha."