Shiv Sena MPs' force feeding creates protests in Parliament

NEW DELHI: The issue of some Shiv Sena MPs reportedly forcing a fasting Muslim worker to eat at the New Maharashtra Sadan in New Delhi created a noisy protests and brief adjournment of both Houses of Parliament. While the Congressled UPA and Left charged Sena MPs with committing a blatant communal act, the latter insisted charge was false and motivated.

On its part, the government, while appealing to all sections not to raise communal passions, maintained the allegations were “unsubstantiated” and, therefore, should be “verified”. But, BJP’s South Delhi MP resorted to extremely provocative statements against the protestors while menacingly rushing to the Well, heightening the tension, triggering a walk-out and adjournment of the House, even as the offending member was made to apologise to the House when it re-assembled.

The issue was raised at the beginning of Zero Hour, by Congress member MI Shanawaz. He said the reported act of Sena MPs was “shocking and cut at the root of secularism”. He added “MPs who should be role-models have become bad models...The faith of minorities has been lost. The House should condemn it.” He also quoted reported statements made by the concerned employee, Arshad.

Responding to the Congress MP, Sena leader and Union minister Anant Geete said, “Those who want to respect the month of Ramzan should not make false statements in the House”, triggering sharp protests from the Opposition. “Whatever the report has appeared is totally false and Congress is trying to tarnish the image of the Narendra Modi government,” Geete added.

While the members belonged to Congress, UPA allies, PDP, AIMIM and Left vociferously protested, Sena members, backed by some from BJP, too started a counterprotest. AIADMK, BJD and Trinamool Congress members were seen not taking sides. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu said, “Nobody knows the truth. Whether the incident has happened or not, we are not sure...We need to enquire...”

Meanwhile, BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri rushed to the well, telling some in the Opposition that this was India and those who think it was another country should go out. This heightened the tension, forcing adjournment for 15 minutes.