Threatened with a censure motion, Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee on Wednesday expressed regret over his objectionable remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Prime Minister lal Bahadur Shastri, after the Treasury Benches backed by a section of the Opposition refused to settle anything less than an apology from the errant MP.
“If I have hurt anyone, I express my regret,” he said after Speaker Sumitra Mahajan told him that he should express regret though she cannot force him to do so.
At first, the TMC MP merely said that he had no intention to insult the Prime Minister or former Prime Minister lal Bahadur Shastri. Regarding his allegedly foul comments against Shastri, he claimed those were “in reaction” to BJP’s West Bengal in-charge’s (who is grandson of Shastri) “insulting” comments — ‘Bhag Mamata Bhag’— against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Bannerjee.
His statement was not acceptable to BJP leaders including Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu who said he expected “regrets” from the TMC MP but “he is only making technical points”.
Naidu said it “is a very serious issue” as foul language was used against “our elected Prime Minister” and nothing less than an apology was acceptable.
The Minister said lest an apology was tendered by the MP, a House committee should inquire into the “slogans by the member raised inside the House, besides the videos of his speech made outside and take a decision as per the rules.”
Kirit Somaiya (BJP) said there should be “unconditional apology” from him for his remarks against Modi and former Prime Minister Shastri. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, however, wondered why the issue was being raised as it was deemed to have been resolved earlier. He said statements made outside the House should not be discussed inside as it would create a “wrong precedent”.
To this, Naidu said he was also against discussing statements made outside the House but this time round “you started it” (seeking apology from Minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti). SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav also criticised the TMC member’s comments.
After hearing Naidu and Congress leader, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said, “No one becomes small by seeking an apology.” She said members should have control over their language and speech outside and inside the House. Responding to the Speaker’s appeal, Banerjee said, “If I have hurt anybody’s sentiments, I express my regrets.” The House proceeding continued thereafter.