After oath, Pappu seeks protection against media

Five months after he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Madhepura, Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, an accused in the murder of CPI(M) leader Ajit Sarkar, was sworn in today. Brought in from Tihar Jail, where he was transferred a few days ago from Bihar, the MP was administered his oath by Speaker Somnath Chatterjee.

On being sworn in, the MP who has had uneasy relations with RJD chief and Railway Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav went over to the Treasury benches to chat with LJP chief and Laloo’s bete noir, Ram Vilas Paswan. Paswan made Pappu sit next to him and they continued their conversation for several minutes. Pappu did, however, raise his hand to greet Laloo Yadav. The Railway Minister acknowledged that greeting without much warmth. Later, Pappu went and took his seat next to Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development and RJD leader, M.A.A. Fatmi.

Pappu was elected on an RJD ticket after Laloo vacated the Madhepura seat.

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The MP got his chance to speak during Zero Hour. And he lambasted the media in those few minutes claiming that he was being hounded by newspapers. He told the Speaker that being the guardian of the House, he must do something to rein in the media. Chatterjee did say that he understood Pappu’s anguish but he was quick to add, ‘‘Who listens to me these days?’’

Pappu was taken back to prison after the day’s session. The MP later said he had no plans to attend the House in the next two days as the Supreme Court has asked the government to conduct his medical examination this week.