Lok Sabha disrupted due to Congress uproar over PM's remarks

NEW DELHI: The proceedings of the Lok Sabha were adjourned for nearly 30 minutes on Tuesday amid slogan-shouting by Congress members demanding an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his remarks against his predecessor Manmohan Singh.

As soon as the Question Hour began, leader of Congress in the House Mallikarjun Kharge raised the issue but Speaker Sumitra Mahajan refused to entertain his demand during the Question Hour.

Soon, Congress members trooped into the Well raising slogans against the Prime Minister such as "pradhan mantri maafi mango" (PM apologise) and "pradhan mantri sadan mein aao" (PM come to the House).The Prime Minister was not present as he is touring Ockhi cyclone-hit states in southern India.

The Question Hour continued amidst din even as Mahajan threatened Congress MPs that she would 'name' them. Naming of a member by the Chair generally leads to disciplinary action.

She said whatever happened in an election campaign should not be used to disrupt the House. "The elections are over and the results are out. I cannot allow you to raise the issue here," she told the agitating members.

Kharge and NCP's Tariq Anwar said the issue should not be linked to polls.Newly-elected Congress member Sunil Jakhar said if there was any truth in Modi's claim that Singh had conspired with Pakistan to rig the Gujarat poll verdict, the government should file a case against the former Prime Minister.

Parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar also urged the Congress members to take their seats and participate in the Question Hour.A visibly upset Speaker said while the Congress has been accusing the government of not convening the Winter session on time, they were disrupting it now.Around 11.30 am, she adjourned the House till noon.