NEW DELHI: Seeking to corner Congress in the Rajya Sabha, Trinamool Congress today raked up the issue of AgustaWestland helicopter scam and insisted on identifying of the ‘Gandhi’ and ‘AP’ mentioned in the alleged bribery case, inviting punitive action.
Trinamool member Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, who raised the issue and persisted with the matter despite rejection of his notice for adjournment, was asked by Chairman Hamid Ansari to withdraw from the House for the day. His party colleagues then staged a walkout to protest against the Chair’s decision.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Roy wanted to know who has taken bribe in the Rs 3600 crore deal to buy 12 VVIP helicopters.
“Defence Minister has to give a statement. Why is the government silent,” he asked. “Who is this AP (named as alleged bribe taker in the deal)? Who is Gandhi? Who is Shashikant.”
He wanted the Defence Minister to make a statement on the issue after suspending regular business and matter discussed.
“Government has to disclose the identity (of bribe takers),” he said.
Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said there is no rule for suspension of business during Zero Hour and disallowed his notice.
Roy again raised the issue during Question Hour, demanding that government come out with a statement on who were the bribe-takers in the chopper deal.
Chairman Ansari asked him not to speak “unauthorisedly” as nothing was going on record. However, the Trinamool member did not stop.
Angry over this, Ansari invoked a Rule under which a member is asked to withdraw from the House for the entire day.
“You are speaking without authorisation. It is unbecomming of a member. This is not the intervention of a member. Sit down…I will have to invoke Rule 255. This is unauthorised. It is not going on record. You will not make this kind of statement,” he said, adding “Shall I invoke Rule 255? I will give you the choice.”
As Roy kept speaking, Ansari said, “I invoke Rule 255. Will you please leave the Chamber.”(Agencies)
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