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Somnath leaves Lok Sabha in a huff

Anita Joshua

NEW DELHI: After five days of facing allegations, Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee left the House on Friday — stating that “this is becoming a torture” — as Communist Party of India member Gurudas Dasgupta questioned his ruling to discuss attacks on minorities under Rule 193 instead of admitting an adjournment motion.

Mr. Dasgupta and Basudeb Acharia (CPI-Marxist) had given notices for moving an adjournment motion to raise the issue of attacks on minorities in different parts of the country. Agreeing with Mr. Acharia’s contention that the issue merits an adjournment motion, the Speaker said he was converting it into a discussion under Rule 193 to facilitate wider conversation.

Protesting this, Mr. Acharia said the entire nation and the world was debating this issue, but “in this Parliament we cannot debate this.” Upset at the CPI (M) member’s objection, Mr. Chatterjee pointed out that the discussion could not take place because of disruptions. “Mr. Acharia, you have made your point. You have expressed your annoyance at the Speaker,” he said.

Raising a point of order and clarifying that he was not questioning the Speaker’s authority, Mr. Dasgupta said the rules stipulated that the government should state that it was not in favour of an adjournment motion. “And, only in that case you can give whatever direction you like.” As the Speaker countered the point, Mr. Dasgupta shot back: “You are using your authority to ensure that it is not an adjournment motion.”

Visibly upset, the Speaker described Mr. Dasgupta’s observation as “most objectionable” and suggested that Deputy Speaker C.S. Atwal take charge of proceedings. As ruling Benches rose in his support, Mr. Chatterjee said pointedly to the Left members that “you have started getting allergic against me” to which Mr. Acharia said “Sir, no.”

Stating that he had tolerated allegations for five days, Mr. Chatterjee said there was a limit to everybody’s patience.

“You all have put me here. I am prepared to go here and now. Let the House tell me.” As soon as the discussion began, he quietly asked Mr. Atwal to take over; leaving the House for the entire day.

He was not present when the House adjourned till December 10. Officials in his office clarified that Mr. Chatterjee had a prior engagement and had planned to return to the House.

Outside the House, CPI (M) Polit Bureau member Sitaram Yechury said it was unfair of the Speaker to suggest that he was being targeted.

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