Pappu Yadav throws paper at deputy speaker in Lok Sabha

NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha on Monday witnessed a low with a member tearing a newspaper and throwing its pieces in the House, drawing strong condemnation from the Chair.

As the atmosphere was surcharged with protests from opposition members on the religious conversion issue, Rajesh Ranjan ( RJD) alias Pappu Yadav tore a newspaper and threw bits all around, with some pieces falling on the podium.

An angry deputy speaker M Thambidurai, who was in the Chair, adjourned the proceedings for 10 minutes. Condemning Ranjan's action, he said, "I strongly object the manner in which Rajesh Rajan threw paper on me. It is very bad. You have to respect the Chair."

Earlier, members from Congress, TMC, CPM, RJD and AAP trooped into the Well shouting slogans demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement on conversion issue. The opposition members said the BJP government has won the elections in the name of Modi and he should make a statement in the House.

When the House resumed, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge sought to pacify Thambidurai saying the members did not have any intention to insult the Chair. "We have great respect for you. You are senior most leader and we have no intention to insult the Chair. Our anger is on BJP which is bulldozing us," Kharge said, dubbing the ministers as arrogant.

Ranjan later apologized. "I did not throw paper on you. I am sorry," he said.

Amid pandemonium, A Sampath (CPM) alleged that Kharge's microphone had been switched off. But soon after, Sampath felt unwell and had to be rushed to Parliament dispensary. He was later discharged.