Rita unites BJP, Left, DMK; Parliament adjourned

NEW DELHI: Rita Bahuguna's objectionable remarks against Mayawati rocked Parliament on Thursday, with both Houses witnessing repeated disruptions before being adjourned for the day. While Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day at noon, Lok Sabha saw repeated disruptions and finally winded up proceedings after papers were laid amid the din at 2 pm.

Congress came under attack in both Houses for the derogatory remarks made by Ms Bahuguna, with BSP members raising slogans asking the party to stop insulting Dalits.

Ms Bahuguna's statement provoked political parties across the spectrum, but BSP was most vocal with MPs demanding an apology from Congress president Sonia Gandhi. The party will demand a discussion on the issue in Parliament on Friday and continue to press for a resolution condemning Ms Joshi���s remarks. In Parliament, BSP members were supported by BJP and Left.

BJP's deputy leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj, said: "Rita had crossed all limits of political attack against a rival and, in the process, forgot the dignity of women. She cannot get away with such comments." Ms Swaraj sought an apology from Congress over Ms Joshi's remarks.

Terming the comments as slanderous, DMK MP Kanimozhi said: "Women should avoid such a slanderous thing." While CPI leader D Raja said: "We condemn Joshi's statement. What happened after that (burning of Joshi���s house in Lucknow allegedly by BSP supporters) also should not have happened."