BHOPAL/In an attempt to defuse a fresh political controversy in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar on Wednesday clarified that Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya had not used any derogatory term, including “insect”, for protesting students or aspirants during the House proceedings.
Addressing the House, Speaker Tomar said he had personally examined the video and audio recordings of Tuesday’s proceedings and found that Vijayvargiya had not used such remarks to students and not objectionable or unparliamentary expression against the protesting students.
The clarification came amid noisy protests by Congress legislators. Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar alleged that the senior BJP minister had made insensitive remarks against agitating students and aspirants. The Congress demanded an apology from Vijayvargiya, linking the issue to student suicides related to NEET and the ongoing protests by aspirants at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
Speaking to reporters on the Assembly premises, Vijayvargiya described Singhar’s allegation as “irresponsible” and contrary to the traditions of the legislature. He alleged that the charge was part of a conspiracy against him and reiterated that he had not used any inappropriate language in the House.
Meanwhile, Vijayvargiya submitted a notice for breach of privilege against Singhar under Rule 163 of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Rules.
The controversy resurfaced when Congress members on Tuesday demanded a discussion on issues concerning students and aspirants. Responding as the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Vijayvargiya said the matter did not pertain to the state government and could not be taken up as the day’s business had already been scheduled.
Speaker Tomar intervened to restore order, reiterating that the minister had not used the words attributed to him. He appealed to members on both sides to maintain the dignity of the House, particularly while discussing sensitive issues concerning students