RS adjourned over Gavai's remarks

NEW DELHI, APRIL 20. The Rajya Sabha was today thrown into turmoil leading to an abrupt adjournment of the House for the day over certain remarks by RPI member, Mr. R.S. Gavai, about Union Minister, Mr. Arun Shourie's book Worshipping False Gods.

The trouble arose when Mr. Gavai, without naming Mr. Shourie, claimed that ``a gentleman of the House'' was made a Rajya Sabha member and Minister after writing the book. While participating in a private members' resolution on review of the Constitution, Mr. Gavai made some remarks about Mr. Shourie which were objected to by the latter, who said no member could make personal charges about another without giving notice. Mr. Gavai countered saying he had not named Mr. Shourie.

As the shouting continued between Opposition and ruling coalition members, the Vice-Chairperson, Md. Salim, asked Mr. Gavai to withdraw the remarks or he would expunge them. However, Mr. Gavai stood his ground and said ``Let Mr. Shourie withdraw his book, then I'll withdraw the remarks.''

Nominated member, Mr. F.S. Nariman, also pleaded with Mr. Gavai to withdraw his remarks. Led by Mr. S.S. Ahluwalia, several BJP members demanded that the remarks be withdrawn.

Md. Salim pulled up Mr. Ahluwalia saying his behaviour in interrupting the proceedings of the House deliberately was unbecoming of a senior member. As the shouting from both sides continued despite Md. Salim's pleas for order, he adjourned the House abruptly.

- PTI

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