NEW DELHI: The sting video showing Trinamool Congress leaders allegedly accepting bribes rocked the Rjya Sabha today, with CPI(M) seeking a probe into the matter. CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury alleged that it was a match-fixing between Trinamool and the government and that was the reason the Centre was not ordering an investigation into the matter. Mr Yechury called for setting up a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to probe the issue, saying, “The integrity of the House has been broken.” He recalled that Trinamool Congress had walked out of the previous NDA government after Tehelka tapes on defence deals came out. Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said it was for the government to probe the matter and he could not do anything.
Derek O’Brien of the Trinamool doubted authenticity of the video, saying it could be a manufactured video. He said if the government wanted to investigate the matter, it could do so. Some CPI(M) members stormed to the Well of the House. Prof Kurien tried to bring the House in the order saying Trinamool Congress and CPI(M) members have no reason to fight as both sides were basically asking for the same ? an investigation into the matter. He tried to calm down Mr Derek by pointing out that Mr Yechury has not repudiated what he said. The Chair then asked CPI(M) members to go back to their seats saying their party has a high reputation for storming into the Well. When CPI(M) members did not heed his call, Prof Kurien asked Mr Yechury if CPI(M) wanted to break the tradition. Mr Yechury responded, “We want to protect the integrity of the House.” “There is a procedure. I cannot suo motu direct the government. Members can invoke the rule book,” Prof Kurien said. BJP member Chandan Mitra said Trinamool Congress members should clarify whether they have taken bribes. (AGENCIES)
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