Conversion row: Pappu Yadav tears newspapers, throws at Deputy Speaker in Lok Sabha

Before adjourning the proceedings Dy Speaker Thambidurai chided Yadav and said members 'have to respect the Chair'.

Rajesh Ranjan better known as Pappu Yadav said he was sorry. “I did not throw paper on you. I am sorry,” he said. (Source: PTI photo/file)

Lok Sabha on Monday witnessed a low with a member tearing a newspaper and throwing its pieces in the House, drawing strong condemnation from the Chair.

As the atmosphere was surcharged with protests from opposition members on the conversion issue, Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav (RJD) tore a newspaper and threw bits all around, with some pieces falling on the podium.

An angry Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai, who was in the Chair, adjourned the proceedings for 10 minutes.

Story continues below this ad

Condemning Ranjan’s action, Thambidurai said, “I strongly object the manner in which Rajesh Rajan threw paper on me. It is very bad. You have to respect the Chair.”

Earlier, members from Congress, TMC, CPI(M), RJD and AAP trooped into the Well shouting slogans demanding Prime
Minister Narendra Modi’s statement on conversion issue.

The opposition members said the BJP government has won the elections in the name of Modi and he should make a statement in the House.

When the House resumed, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge sought to pacify Thambidurai saying that the members did not have any intention to insult the Chair.

Story continues below this ad

“We have great respect for you. You are senior most leader and we have no intention to insult the Chair. Our anger is on BJP which is bulldozing us,” Kharge said, dubbing the ministers as arrogant. He said Bhasmasur will obliterate them.

To this, Naidu said, “Bhasmasur will not come on wise people. We are wise people.” Bhasmasur, a mythical demon, had the power to burn anyone into ashes.

Ranjan too said he was sorry. “I did not throw paper on you. I am sorry,” he said.

Amid pandemonium, A Sampath (CPI-M) alleged that the mike of Kharge has been switched off and protested vociferously in
the Well.

Story continues below this ad

But soon after, Sampath felt unwell and had to be rushed to Parliament dispensary. He was later discharged.

Gaza-bound Flotilla says it was struck by drone in Tunisian waters; authorities deny claim

World2 hr ago

The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) for Gaza said early Tuesday that one of its main boats was struck by a drone off the Tunisian waters, but all the six passengers and crew are reportedly safe, Reuters reported. However, Tunisia's National Guard spokesman told Mosaique FM radio that reports of a drone attack on the flotilla "have no basis in truth".

View all shorts

Live Blog