From the Archives (March 12, 1969): Chandra Shekhar refuses to express regret

The Executive Committee of the Congress Parliamentary Party to-day [March 11, New Delhi] decided to persuade Mr. Chandra Shekhar, a Congress member of the Rajya Sabha to express regret for some of his remarks against Mr. Morarji Desai during the debate on Birla affairs. But Mr. Chandra Shekhar, who met the Leader of the party, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, later in the evening [March 11], is understood to have refused to do so. According to the decision taken by the Executive Committee, disciplinary action will now be initiated against Mr. Chandra Shekhar. Under the rules – as quoted by Mr. Sonavane at the meeting this morning [March 11] – a show cause notice will have to be issued and the matter should be referred to the General Body which is to decide on two-thirds majority. There is a feeling that reference to the General Body may lead to further complications. The whole episode it is feared may lead to a serious rift within the Party.