Zee Media Bureau
New Delhi: A day after facing flak from Members of Parliament for his `federation of anarchists` remark, Rajya Sabha Vice Chairman Hamid Ansari on Wednesday clarified his comments and agreed to review them.
As the House assembled at 11.00 am, Ansari read out the definition of the word `anarchist` which he had used yesterday.
Ansari said the word objected to is anarchist and it is not an allegation or an attribute to the House but a question posed to the House.
"If a question is posed it cannot be an allegation," said Ansari.
"I will ask the Rajya Sabha secretariat to review the remarks in light of the records they have," Ansari told the House.
He also called for reviewing procedures of the House.
"I would like to convene as early as possible a meeting of the leaders so that we have frank practical discussion about the rules needed to be amended, if they need to be amended," he added.
Agitated by repeated disruptions, Ansari had yesterday wondered whether members wish the House to become a `federation of anarchists`.
Agitated MPs had then demanded the remark’s withdrawal and the government asked for expunging it.
Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley today said, “There was innuendo in the question that you posed (federation of anarchists). Please don`t allow the word to be part of records.
M S Gill said, “If you are touchy about your honour, you have to respect honour of MPs too.
Ansari had made the remark soon after the House met for the day when he took up the first listed question.
BJP members started shouting slogans on the land issue related to Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Congress president Sonia Gandhi.
BJP members were seeking a probe and reply from the government on the allegation of irregularities in some land deals in Haryana.
Congress members were also on their feet, countering the BJP attack.
TDP members displayed shirts with slogan `Save Andhra Pradesh, Save Democracy` in protest against decision to carve out a separate Telangana state.
Ansari pleaded with the members to allow Question Hour while asking them to resume their seats.
As the din continued, Ansari said, "Every single rule in the rule book, every single etiquette is being violated...If the Hon`ble members wish the House to become a federation of anarchists, then it is a different matter."
(With agency inputs)
