Don't set bad example for new MPs: Sumitra Mahajan advises seniors

Irked by frequent disruptions from senior members, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Tuesday advised them to desist from it as they would present a bad example before the newly elected members of Parliament.

"This is not the way. So many new members have come and some have returned after a few years. Please speak when you are given the chance. Such interruptions are not correct," she said telling them that disruptions would not set a good example for new comers.

Her observation came during the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President's address, which was initiated by Bharatiya Janata Party member Rajiv Pratap Rudy. Rudy outlined the BJP government's plans for development and criticised performance of the previous United Progressive Alliance government, inviting sharp reaction from opposition benches.

Trinamool Congress members Sultan Ahmed, Kalyan Banerjee, Congress' Deepinder Singh Hooda and Adhir Ranjan Choudhury strongly objected to the remarks and asked Rudy to concentrate on the President's speech.

Noisy scenes were also witnessed when Rudy, without taking any name, said the country's democracy has been "growing" in such a manner that even if someone goes to jail, his spouse occupies his place as chief minister.

Rashtriya Janata Dal members Rajiv Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav strongly objected to the remarks and came to the Well protesting as it was an apparent reference to Rabri Devi wife of RDD supremo Lalu Prasad. Rudy, however, said if anyone was hurt by his remarks, he withdrew the words.

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New Delhi: Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. Photograph: PTI Photo