By IANS,
New Delhi : Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajeev Shukla Wednesday termed as “unfortunate” remarks by Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mayawati targeting Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari over repeated disruptions in the house.
“It is unfortunate,” Shukla told reporters here, when his reactions were sought on Mayawati’s remarks made in the house which is slated to take up a bill to provide reservation in promotions to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Mayawati stunned the Rajya Sabha during Question Hour Wednesday when she told the chairman that running the house smoothly was his responsibility while he was not to be seen in the house after 12 noon.
The chairman of the house normally presides over the house until noon and the deputy chairman routinely takes over after he leaves at around 12 noon.
Mayawati, who has been pressing for passage of the constitution amendment bill to provide reservation in promotions for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes since the beginning of the winter session, said it was the responsibility of the chairman of the house to ensure its smooth conduct even after 12 noon.
The Samajwadi Party is stoutly opposed to the bill, and has vowed not to allow it to be passed.
Its members have raised slogans against the bill and stalled efforts by the government to take it up for passage in the house.
Both SP and BSP, political adversaries in Uttar Pradesh, support the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the centre from outside.
Shukla said efforts are being made to find a solution to the impasse.
Asked about Mayawati’s remarks that it was also the responsibility of the government to see that proceedings were not disrupted, Shukla said the government makes all efforts to ensure that proceedings in the house are smooth.
He said the government could not be held responsible if members raised slogans near the presiding officer’s chair.