MPs rib suspended Congress MP Mullappally Ramachandran who never raised any slogans

NEW DELHI: Mullappally Ramachandran cornered a bit of Congress's suspension glory as MPs across partylines indulged him with spirited backslapping and mock-complimenting on Tuesday.

The reason being the senior Congress MP stood with other 24 suspended MPs in the party demonstration in Parliament complex even though he has never raised a slogan or held a placard in Lok Sabha.

It was no surprise that whoever sighted Ramachandran, from Left or Congress or else, went to him, had a hearty laugh and shook hands. The Kerala MPs singled him out the most.

The seven-term MP is an austere man known for his reserved demeanour. "Ramachandran has never raised a slogan," RSP MP NK Premachandran said, contrasting it with him being spared despite protesting vociferously.

Ramachandran told TOI, "I am a disciplined Congressman and am with the party decision to protest. But I have never violated the rudiments of discipline. I have always respected the chair."