LS adjourned for the day after uproar over remarks by TMC’s Kalyan against Scindia

During the discussion on the Bill, Banerjee alleged non-cooperation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government during the Covid-19 pandemic. Countering this, MoS for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said that the M helped all states and successfully handled the crisis by taking everyone along. Rai also alleged that the West Bengal government tried to create hurdles in the transportation of Covid vaccines through its territory by not giving traffic clearances.

Scindia stood up to support Rai and said India had emerged as a “Vishwa Bandhu” during the pandemic and helped all the countries in need across the world.

Following this, Banerjee made certain remarks against Scindia, which were expunged by Speaker Om Birla.

Despite Birla’s repeated appeals that the members speak on the Bill, the verbal spat between the Treasury and the Opposition benches continued. The Chair then adjourned the House for 30 minutes.

When the House resumed at 4.40 pm, Banerjee apologised for his remarks, which was not accepted by Scindia. “…I do not accept his apology for the personal attack he has made on me and on the women of India with the word he has used,” he said.

“We all come to this House with the spirit of contribution to the nation’s development… But we also, sir, come with a sense of self-respect. Any individual in their lives will not stand compromised with their self-respect. Attack us on our policies, attack us on our views, but if you get personal, certainly be prepared for the response,” Scindia said.

Banerjee apologised again but protests from Treasury benches continued.

A Raja, who was presiding the House, said that the matter was referred to the Chair and the Speaker has made it clear it has been settled between themselves.

As uproar continued, he adjourned the proceedings until 5 pm. When the House reassembled, the Chair called SP member Ram Shiromani Verma to speak on the Bill, but due to disruptions, the House was adjourned for the day.

Meanwhile, Congress member Gaurav Gogoi raised the issue of Manipur violence and alleged that the government “was using George Soros as a shield to hide their failures in Manipur”. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the Manipur situation was being tackled “very adroitly at the highest level”. He said, “They (Congress) have to respond and let the nation know what connection is there between George Soros and all these internal disturbances…”