Amidst a walkout by the opposition National Democratic Alliance, Home Minister Shivraj Patil on Tuesday told the Rajya Sabha that Jharkhand Mukti Morcha member of Parliament Sunil Kumar Mahato, killed in a Naxalite attack, was provided security to the slain leader's satisfaction.
But Patil did not reply whether as home minister he was satisfied with the security provided to Mahato when his threat perception was visibily high.
This question was asked by Chairman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat even as Bharatiya Janata Party members staged a walkout in the middle of the home minister's reply to a 90-minute discussion on the killing of the JMM leader.
When asked by the chair whether Mahato's security was enough, the home minister said, "When he (Mahato) was asked whether the security given to him was adequate, he said it was adequate."
This reply did not seem to satisfy the chair who repeatedly asked Patil whether as home minister he was satisfied with the security provided to Mahato.
Participating in the discussion, NDA members from the state demanded imposition of President's rule in Jharkhand alleging failure on part of the state government in providing security to the MP.
Earlier, dissatisfied with the minister's statement and reply, BJP staged a walkout accusing Patil of dealing with the issue in a "casual manner."