SP, BSP show strength, in LS

As the House was thrown into turmoil, BSP members joined the slanging match, which culminated in Alvi’s manhandling.

Speaker Manohar Joshi later reprimanded Yadav and observed that his behaviour had lowered the image of the House. He warned him against repeating it. He pointed out that the incident had taken place in the presence of the Canadian delegation. He also ordered that the remarks made during the altercation between Yadav and Alvi be expunged.

SP members got on to their feet as soon as the House assembled. Their leader, Mulayam Singh Yadav, demanded the recall of Shastri for his ‘‘unconstitutional and undemocratic statement’’ that the SP should prove its majority in Uttar Pradesh.

He said, ‘‘Should we go to his bedroom at Raj Bhawan to prove our majority? It has to be proved on the floor of the House.’’ He demanded an assembly session for a trial of strength. Yadav alleged that CM Mayawati had jailed rebel MLAs and allowed mafia dons to move about freely. CPM’s Basudeb Acharya backed him.

Even as Joshi observed that he had already agreed to a discussion on the issue, SP members rushed into the well to press the demand.

Alvi stood up to counter Yadav. He alleged that ‘‘no party has as many criminals as Samajwadi Party.’’ This provoked SP members. They menacingly advanced towards Alvi, Devendra Singh Yadav pushed him. External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha and others rushed to separate them.

BSP members stormed the well thereafter demanding action against Yadav for his ‘‘misbehaviour’’. Joshi observed that what had happened was ‘‘not good’’ and assured that he would take necessary action after consulting the rule book. Alvi insisted that he be allowed to speak. He was heard saying, ‘‘This action has exposed the true face of Samajwadi Party.’’

Yadav later admitted having threatened Alvi but dodged when asked if he thought his action was proper. He said he was provoked by Alvi’s description of SP members as criminals. He said, ‘‘We are here to project our viewpoint, not to hear nonsense from others.’’