TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee submits written apology for remarks on Jyotiraditya Scindia
New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said Thursday that TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee has submitted a written apology for his remarks against Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and apologized publicly in the House, media reports said.
As the session commenced, ruling alliance members raised concerns about Banerjee’s comments, prompting Speaker Birla to intervene.
He described the incident as unfortunate and reminded members to refrain from making personal remarks against colleagues.
Without naming Banerjee, he stated that any derogatory comments about women are in bad taste, as they undermine their dignity and honour.
Birla emphasized that while disagreements are integral to democracy, personal attacks have no place in parliamentary discourse.
"The member concerned has apologized in the House and submitted a written apology to me," he said, before proceeding with the day’s agenda.
The controversy stemmed from an incident on Wednesday during a discussion on amendments to the Disaster Management Act.
Banerjee criticized the central government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, accusing it of non-cooperation.
Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai countered these claims, asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had supported all states and managed the crisis effectively.
Rai also accused the West Bengal government of obstructing vaccine transportation.
Jyotiraditya Scindia supported Rai, highlighting India’s global role during the pandemic, describing it as a "Vishwa Bandhu" (world friend) that assisted countries in need.
Banerjee then targeted Scindia with remarks that were later expunged by the Speaker, sparking uproar and adjournment of the session.
When the House reconvened, Banerjee apologized, but Scindia rejected the apology, urging opposition members to avoid personal attacks.
"Kalyan Banerjee rose in this House and apologized. However, I must say we come here with the purpose of contributing to the nation’s progress and with self-respect. Personal attacks are unacceptable," Scindia said, adding that while criticism of policies is welcome, personal remarks are intolerable.
He further stated, "I do not accept his apology for the personal attack on me and the women of India." Despite Banerjee’s repeated apologies, protests from the treasury benches persisted, leading to two more adjournments.
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