A day after Parliament was adjourned sine die, a massive political controversy erupted on Friday over the use of offensive language by South Delhi BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri against Bahujan Samaj Party MP Danish Ali in the Lok Sabha during a discussion on the success of the Chandrayaan mission on Thursday. While leaders of the Opposition parties, including Ali, demanded swift action against Bidhuri, the BJP issued a show-cause notice to its two-time MP on Friday.
Th BJP sources said the party has sought a reply from the South Delhi MP as to why disciplinary action should not be taken against him for his use of unparliamentary words. Generally, those served the notice are given 15 days to answer.
“We are truly dismayed by our MP’s behaviour, especially considering that this incident occurred on a day when the nation was celebrating the passage of the Women’s Bill and the success of Chandrayaan, both of which were being widely reported across the country. Furthermore, it coincided with an unprecedented record of productivity in both the Houses during the four-day Special Session in new Parliament,” a top BJP leader told The Pioneer, requesting anonymity.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who had earlier initiated a discussion on the country’s Chandrayan success, said though he could not hear the comments of his party colleague in the House, he personally apologised for the remarks.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has taken “serious note” of the unparliamentary remarks made by Bidhuri and warned him of “strict action” if such a behaviour is repeated in the future, officials said.
While the objectionable remarks have been expunged from the proceeding records, a video of Bidhuri, in which he can be heard making derogatory remarks against Ali, is now circulating on various social media platforms.
Ali has also written to the Speaker demanding that the matter be sent to the Committee of Privileges.
“Saying this with a heavy heart that I would be considering quitting the Lok Sabha if an appropriate action is not taken against Bidhuri over his remarks,” Ali said, adding he was also threatened by Bidhuri in the speech.
“I sent my letter to the office of the Lok Sabha Speaker and I am confident that he will take cognizance of the incident and appropriate action. I have given notice. All things are on record and it is happening for the first that this type of language has been used for an elected MP...”
Ali in his letter said, “I have been waiting to meet Birla since morning but he was not available. I have submitted my letter... I hope he will take appropriate action... everything is on record... it has happened for the first time that such a language has been used against an elected member... is this being taught in new India...
“We are the mother of democracy... I am proud of it... I couldn’t sleep the entire night... my brain nerves were about to burst... what could I have done... if this is the behaviour towards me then how a common man is being treated... I hope the Lok Sabha Speaker will take appropriate action in this matter.”
Several Opposition members owing allegiance to the INDIA bloc visited the BSP MP.
After meeting Ali at his Pandara Road residence, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi told the media, “Nafrat ke Bazaar mein Mohabbat ki Dukan (opening a shop of love in the market of hate).”
Opposition parties are demanding strict action against Bidhuri, including suspension from the House and even his arrest.
Opposition leaders criticised BJP MPs Ravi Shankar Prasad and Harsh Vardhan for allegedly laughing while Bidhuri fied a broadside at Ali in the Lok Sabha. However, both Prasad and Vardhan have distanced themselves from the the controversy.
Harsh Vardhan, who represents Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha seat, issued a statement regretting the foul language used by his party colleague in the temple of democracy. “I have been brought up in Chandni Chowk and my childhood spent with Muslims in the bylanes of this old Delhi and am thankful that people have sent me to the Lok Sabha from this locality only,” Harsh Vardhan said.
The Opposition leaders highlighted instances where members from their own alliance, such as TMC, Shiv Sena, and AAP parliamentarians, were promptly reprimanded by the presiding officers of either House, and in some cases, they even faced suspensions.
Some of them were suspended for merely protesting in front of the Gandhi statue in Parliament, including women MPs, during the entire last Winter Session.
“Sanjay Singh and Raghav Chadha (of the AAP) stand suspended even today for exercising their democratic right of protest inside Parliament and Bidhuri has spoken in a language that is an insult not only to Ali but also to every MP and every Indian,” Opposition leaders said.
Describing the remarks as an insult to all MPs, Congress chief spokesman Jairam Ramesh said the apology offered by Singh was a “mere eyewash” and not acceptable.
“It is an absolute shame what Bidhuri has said. Singh’s apology is simply not acceptable. It is a half-hearted apology, it was an afterthought. What Bidhuri has said is an insult to Parliament and makes a mockery of what the prime minister keeps repeating ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas, Sabka Sabka Vishvaas, Sabka Prayas’ which becomes all ‘bakwaas’ (nonsense),” Ramesh told reporters.
CPI(M) members have demanded the arrest of Bidhuri, who is known for his abusive nature even on public platforms. “No privilege for hate speech, arrest Bidhuri. Filthy abusive language used by Bidhuri against Ali on the Floor constitutes the worst kind of hate speech indicted by the SC. No MP can claim privilege for such speech. He should be arrested,” the CPI(M) said in a statement.
“Abusing Muslims, OBCs an integral part of BJP culture — most now see nothing wrong with it. Narendra Modi has reduced Indian Muslims to living in such a state of fear in their own land that they grin & bear everything. Sorry but I’m calling this out. Ma Kali holds my spine,” Trinamool Congress member Mahua Moitra said in a statement.
She demanded that Modi and the Speaker take strict action against Bidhuri.
“Filthy language used by a BJP parliamentarian for fellow MP Ali. No shame left. This is sickening. Will Speaker Lok Sabha take note and take action,” Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha member Priyanka Chaturvedi told The Pioneer when sought for her comments on the row.
Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh wondered whether Bidhuri’s language was a result of the values taught by the RSS. “I raised the issue of violence in Manipur and I was suspended. What action will be taken against this MP who abused Ali,” Singh said on social media platforms.
The AAP also slammed BJP Lok Sabha members Harsh Vardhan and Ravi Shankar Prasad for “laughing” when Bidhuri was abusing Ali.
“Why is this uncouth, uncultured BJP MP Bidhuri not suspended for his use of unparliamentary language and obnoxious behaviour in the Lok Sabha? Speaker Birla must take immediate action. Will BJP also suspend him from their party or will they give him a promotion,” NCP spokesman Clyde Crasto said.
