Rajya Sabha member Jairam Ramesh attacked in Lok Sabha for remarks against Speaker

NEW DELHI: BJP today slammed Rajya Sabha MP of Congress Jairam Ramesh for reportedly questioning the impartiality of Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and pressed for moving a privilege motion against him.

The issue was raised in Lok Sabha by BJP's Chief Whip Arjun Ram Meghwal who cited a media report to say that Ramesh has questioned the decisions of the Speaker.

Mahajan was quick to say that Ramesh's name should not be taken since he is not present in the House and neither is he its member.

Media has quoted Ramesh as saying that Mahajan is biased and that she "did not allow anyone to speak about Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the House."

Meghwal said the Rajya Sabha member had no right to question the decisions of the Speaker.

"Your rulings cannot be questioned....we should bring a privilege motion against him (Ramesh) and send it to the committee as a warning...I am the chief whip, I am told you listen to the opposition more...," the BJP leader said.

He said the issue should be discussed in the House and should be criticised for his reported remarks.

Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge wanted to raise some point but he could not be heard.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said, rising above partisan lines, both the treasury and the opposition should "study" the remarks of Ramesh and apply their mind before taking a call.