Speaker accepts resignation of MP who used pepper spray

Speaker Meira Kumar on Wednesday accepted the resignation of expelled Congress Member of Parliament L Rajagopal, who had created a storm by using pepper spray in Lok Sabha to protest against the Telangana Bill.

"I have accepted his resignation with effect from February 19," the Speaker informed the Lok Sabha.

Unprecedented pandemonium had broken out in the House last week when Rajagopal, who is opposed to the division of Andhra Pradesh, brought in a canister and sprayed pepper.

All political parties had demanded action against him; the government had said it would not oppose any decision taken by the Speaker.

The resignation of the industrialist-turned-politician came after the Speaker asked the Committee of Privileges of Lok Sabha, which has punitive powers, to go into the incident, which she termed as a "blot" on democracy.

The 50-year-old Vijayawada MP had on Tuesday sent his resignation to the Speaker, hours after the controversial Telangana bill was passed by the Lok Sabha.

"I submit my resignation from Lok Sabha. I am quitting politics too. I am hurt as Telugu-speaking people are divided now. It is a sad day. I have lost interest in politics," said Rajagopal.