Railway Minister Lalu Prasad's claim that Bihar Governor Buta Singh was his nominee rocked Parliament on Tuesday and the government took shelter citing rules that the issue of a governor's removal could not be taken up without a substantive motion with 14 days notice.
Also read: BJP shifts attention from Buta to Lalu
The issue rocked both houses of Parliament in the pre-lunch session as agitated National Democratic Alliance members demanded sacking of Lalu from the cabinet for his claim and removal of Buta Singh for his letter to Prasad for transfer of a senior railway official, who is facing a vigilance inquiry.
Also read: NDA gives notice for adjournment motion over Buta letter
This led to brief adjournment of the 2 houses. The Lok Sabha was adjourned till 1400 hrs and Rajya Sabha till noon after the Question Hour in both the houses was disrupted.
As the Rajya Sabha reassembled, agitated Bharatiya Janata Party members raised the issue again with Ravi Shankar Prasad alleging that the claim of Lalu Prasad was 'very serious' as governors could be appointed only by the President.
He demanded the removal of the railway minister from the union cabinet. As NDA members stuck to their position, Home Minister Shivraj Patil said rules clearly stated that the matter of resignation of a governor could not be discussed unless a substantive motion with a 14-day notice was brought before the house.
Also read: Decision on Pathak is governor's prerogative: Lalu
Regarding the demand for sacking of Lalu Prasad, Patil said it was 'not necessary to discuss the matter on the floor of the house.'