The Rajya Sabha witnessed a new low on Tuesday when agitated over repeated disruptions by members, chairman Hamid Ansari wondered whether members wished the House to become a ‘federation of anarchists’, a remark which drew sharp reaction with BJP demanding its withdrawal and the Government asking for expunging it.
“Every single rule in the rule book, every single etiquette is being violated...If the Hon’ble members wish the House to become a federation of anarchists, then it is a different matter,” Ansari remarked, resulting in strong protests from BJP members. He then adjourned the House till noon.
When the House reassembled, leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley said the Chair had overreacted. Use of word “anarchist” against a member is considered unparliamentary and Ansari had described the whole House as anarchist, he pointed out. He demanded that it should be removed from record. His deputy Ravi Shanker Prasad demanded unconditional withdrawal while Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Shukla demanded that it be expunged. Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien said the Chair had only asked a question as to whether the members wished to make the House a federation of anarchists, but assured that he will consult Ansari and get back to them.