In the centre of a massive row over releasing video clippings of Parliament security apparatus, AAP lok Sabha member Bhagwant Mann apologised to Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Friday, but that did not defuse the situation. The ruling and the Opposition MPs came together to demand action against the Punjab MP even as the AAP defended him, saying the BJP was raising a non-issue to divert attention from attack on Dalits in Gujarat.
As Mann’s filming of his drive into Parliament building accompanied with a running commentary rocked both Houses of Parliament, the MP said he had deleted the video from his Facebook page and that his intention was not to compromise security of the institution.
In a letter to the Speaker, Mann tendered an “unconditional apology” for the video and said he made the “mistake inadvertently” and that he had no intention of compromising the security of Parliament.
“My intention was not to compromise the security of Parliament. I only wanted to apprise the people of the process of selection of questions because they, at times, ask us why their questions were not raised. I wanted to show them that the questions are selected through a lucky draw. I have made an educational video,” he said.
As soon as both the Houses met for the day, members of the NDA, along with regional parties like BJD and AIADMK, were on their feet describing Mann’s action as “ grave breach of security” and demanding action against him. Bedlam prevailed with vociferous members of the BJP and the SAD demanding action against Mann with many rushing to the Well of the House.
leader of the Congress in the lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said the House should come together and condemn it. It is a problem for members representing 125 crore people and that of the nation, he said. “If we do like this, it will be a big problem for democracy,” Kharge said and sought action against Mann.
Former Home Secretary and BJP MP RK Singh was also heard seeking action against Mann. “Tatkaal barkhast kariye (remove him immediately)” he said, and demanded a Breach of Privilege Motion against Mann. Kirit Somaiya (BJP) also demanded his disqualification as an MP. Joining NDA members, BJD leader B Mahtab demanded that a
separate committee be set up to look into the issue.
Drawing attention to the December 13, 2001 terror attack on the Parliament House, Mahtab said at that time, the terrorists did not know where to enter. On that day, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi had called then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to know what had happened, Mahtab added.
Shiv Sena leader Anandrao Adsul urged the Speaker to disqualify Mann immediately. “Barkhaast kariya aaj hi” (remove him today),” he said. AIADMK member P Kumar also asked the Speaker to look into the matter.
Mann, a popular stand-up comedian in his State, himself stood up in his seat and was seen trying to speak on the issue. As the uproar continued, proceedings were adjourned for the day.
Before adjourning the House for the day after the second adjournment, the Speaker said the matter was “serious” and under her consideration. “Koi na koi karvayee karenge (we will take some action),” and added that 13 people had laid down their lives for the security of Parliament referring to the terror attack in December 2001.
The sources said the Speaker saw the controversial video film last evening and was shocked, wondering if every MP indulges in such an act, how then the dignity of Parliament could be maintained.
Before Mahajan came to the House, a number of MPs from the Akali Dal, the BJP and the Shiv Sena met her and demanded action against Mann, the sources said. After her meeting with Mann, the Speaker held consultations with Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai and some other leaders to take suggestions on the matter.
Members of the treasury benches in the Rajya Sabha also came to the Well of the House demanding immediate arrest of the AAP leader. They drew attention to the 2001 terror attack on Parliament and demanded the AAP MP from Punjab be penalised for streaming on social media the video showing various layers of screening and checks.
Amidst the noisy scene both from ruling and Opposition sides in the Upper House, Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, who wanted to speak on the subject, could not do so and stood on her feet for almost 20 minutes until Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien adjourned the House for the day.
A politically significant Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Amendment Private Member Bill was listed in the Rajya Sabha for which all political parties had issued a whip for its members to be present but finally could not be taken.
In the nearly 12 minute video, Mann is seen giving a running commentary as his vehicle crosses security barricades and enters Parliament. “I’ll today show you something you would not have seen earlier,” he is heard saying. Mann is then shown entering a room where questions to be taken up inside Parliament are being sorted and seen describing the ongoing process.
Defending Mann, AAP leader Ashutosh said the lok Sabha member from Sangrur was only trying to “show” the procedure of asking questions during the Zero Hour.”Adityanath, Sakshi Maharaj, Giriraj Singh are the biggest threat to country’s security and these leaders will add glory to Parliament, while Bhagwant Mann will be booked under NSAIJ What justice is thisIJ (sic)” tweeted AAP leader Sanjay Singh.