RS adjourned for the day over Gavai's remarks on book

NEW DELHI, MAY 5. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned abruptly for the day, two hours ahead of schedule, today amidst uproarious scenes over remarks made by the RPI member, Mr. R.S. Gavai about the controversial book ``Worshiping false gods'' written by the BJP member and Union Minister, Mr. Arun Shourie.

Trouble arose when the House took up the resumed discussion on Mr. Ramdas Agarwal's (BJP) resolution to review the Constitution.

Mr. Gavai, whose remarks had created uproar in the House during his speech two weeks earlier on the same resolution, was again at the centre of turmoil today.

Displaying the book, Mr. Gavai alleged that the author had made objectionable remarks against Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and whatever was written about Ambedkar was ``false''.

The BJP members protested saying the matter had been closed already and the member should not be allowed rake up the controversy in the House again.

The Vice-Chairman, Mr. T.N. Chaturvedi, also appealed to Mr. Gavai to confine himself to the subject of the resolution and not drag extraneous issues.

A defiant Mr. Gavai continued in the same vein, contending that the matter involved the sentiments of millions of followers of Ambedkar and, amidst shouting and counter-shouting, tore a page from the book.

This led to fresh protests from the BJP members who demanded an apology from Mr. Gavai for his conduct. Mr. Chaturvedi also observed that the conduct of the member was against the dignity of the House and asked him to apologise.

The BJP members including Mr. S.S. Ahluwalia, Mr. Ramdas Agrawal, Mr. Narendra Mohan and Mr. Sanjay Nirupam (Shiv Sena) vociferously demanded that Mr. Gavai should apologise, failing which he should be expelled from the House. But Mr. Gavai refused to apologise saying ``I have not committed any crime''. The Congress member, Mr. Suresh Pachouri, raising a point of order, said similar incidents in the past were resolved amicably by the Chair after consultations with party leaders.

On his suggestion, the House was adjourned for 10 minutes for consultations by leaders with Mr. Chaturvedi.

When the House reassembled, Mr. Chaturvedi asked Mr. Gavai if he was ready to reconsider his stand. But Mr. Gavai said whatever he did was in full realisation of facts.

``The man who has hurt the sentiments of millions of followers of Ambedkar should apologise,'' Mr. Gavai remarked. This sparked off a fresh round of protests from BJP members who insisted on his apology.

Amidst the pandemonium, Mr. Chaturvedi adjourned the House for the day. Mr. Arun Shourie, who was present during uproar in the House over his book on April 20, was not present during today's turmoil.

- PTI

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