Minister takes back remarks after Oppn uproar in RS

NEW DELHI: In an embarrassment to the government, a united opposition in Rajya Sabha today forced a Union Minister to take back his words, which they considered as not just offensive but also denigrating Parliament.

Controversy broke when Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister Ananth Kumar rebutted K C Tyagi (JD-U) and made the remarks saying everyone in the House was concerned over farmers and he should not consider himself as if he was their only custodian.

Tyagi, while participating in a discussion on farmers’ plight and the suicide of a farmer at an AAP rally here, made some remarks against the ruling party and questioned whether they have ever done farming and also named the BJP chief, to which the Minister objected.

Ananth Kumar withdrew his words, which were earlier expunged by Deputy Chairman P J Kurien, after the opposition raised an uproar over the issue forcing the Minister to do so.

“When K C Tyagi talked with such tone and tenor, I said he should not consider him as the sole representative of farmers.

Tyagi and all have equal concern for farmers. If members have objection to that word, I will take it back and I take back,” Kumar said amid the din.

Objecting to the Minister’s remarks, Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) said it is not only a question of one’s particular expression but the comments was against the entire Parliament.

“It is very serious. The Minister made a certain comment which is not merely derogatory, the statement amounts to derogation of the entire House of Indian Parliament. Let him withdraw and apologies for insulting this House,” he said.

Sukhendu Sekhar Roy (TMC) also objected to the Minister’s remarks saying it is derogatory and he must withdraw it.

He was joined by Satish Chandra Misra (BSP) and Sharad Yadav, who said what Kumar has stated was not right and he must take it back.

Congress members also raised uproar and demanded an apology from the Minister.–PTI