MPs suspension: RJD, SP stage walkout

Rashtriya Janata Dal and Samajwadi Party members on Wednesday staged a walkout in Rajya Sabha demanding revocation of the suspenion of seven members who were marshalled out from the House for their "unruly" behaviour while protesting against the Women's Reservation Bill.

As soon as the Question Hour began, the issue was raised by Ramgopal Yadav (SP) and supported by RJD members. Even CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury favoured the revocation of the suspension.

Members from the treasury benches, however, insisted that the suspended members should tender apology.

Prem Chand Gupta, Rajniti Prasad, Jabir Husain (all RJD), Ramgopal Yadav, Brij Bhushan Tewari and other SP members walked out even as Chairman Hamid Ansari said the matter can be discussed later and Question Hour should be allowed to run.

Seven members, including four from SP and one from RJD, were suspended on Tuesday for remaining period of the budget session.

Gupta later told PTI, "We will boycott the House till the suspension order is revoked. Our members were humiliated in the most undemocratic manner yesterday, which is unfortunate."