Atwal interrupts Speaker, VP

As a presiding officer, Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker C S Atwal has his very own way of conducting House proceedings. On Thursday, at the commemoration function on the 1857 Revolt in the Central Hall, Atwal surprised many by interrupting two presiding officers8212;the Speaker and the Vice-President8212;to make the point that the Anglo-Sikh War of 1845 was actually the first war of Independence.

As he rose and interrupted the speeches, though in a dignified manner, he was supported by three MPs 8212; Rattan Singh Ajnala, Virendra Singh Bajwa and Tarlochan Singh. Both the Speaker, who was the first to be interrupted, and then the Vice-President, were surprised by the interruption, but continued with their speeches nevertheless.