New Delhi, Dec 19: The A R Antulay issue is refusing to subside with Opposition in Parliament remaining unrelenting for the second day on Friday in its demand for the sacking of the Union Minister following his controversial remarks on the killing of Maharashtra ATS chief Hemant Karkare.
The issue created uproar in the Rajya Sabha as also the Lok Sabha for the second consecutive day with the Opposition demanding his sacking forthwith. In the Upper House, the Opposition members, mostly belonging to NDA, staged a walkout.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, S S Ahluwalia (BJP) wondered why the Prime Minister was "silent" and did not come out with a statement immediately. "In whose hands is Antulay playing -- Dawood or ISI?" he asked.
In the Lok Sabha, BJP member Sumitra Mahajan wondered how can a Union Minister give an "irresponsible" statement on an issue like this and "weaken" India`s fight against terrorism emanating from Pakistan.
The statement, she said in the Zero Hour, was particularly objectionable as it has come at a time when the entire country was united in the fight against terror.
Besides, she wanted the government to probe thoroughly the speculation in Maharashtra that a political leader had a hand in helping the terrorists who struck in Mumbai. This leader, she said, helped the ultras land in neighbouring Raigad district.
Her party colleague Santosh Gangwar wanted the Government to verify whether the reports of resignation of Antulay were true.
External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in the Lok Sabha that government will respond on the issue before the session adjourns in a couple of days.
Bureau Report
