NEW DELHI: An angry Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Tuesday termed relentless protests by Congress members in Lok Sabha as “murder of democracy” and “hijacking” of the rights of 440 members by 40-50 MPs in the opposition.

She also asked Lok Sabha TV to focus on the “irresponsible” opposition members so that the whole country could see their behaviour. “The chair has no desire to be seen on TV. I request Lok Sabha TV to show the behaviour of MPs so that the nation knows what’s happening here. Just 40 MPs are holding the will of over 440 MPs hostage,” she said.

Efforts to take up a discussion on sustainable development goals, to be followed by a debate on issues arising out of IPL controversy, saw Congress members intensifying their protest on the Lalit Modi and Vyapam issues, with foreign minister Sushma Swaraj sitting in the front row throughout.

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Congress members tore papers and threw them towards deputy speaker M Thambidurai and continued their vociferous protest leading to repeated adjournment of proceedings in the second half after the House reopened after lunch.

At one point, water resources minister Uma Bharti, Jagdambika Pal, Kirron Kher and other BJP members too came to the well to protest against the unruly behaviour of Congress members. Even Swaraj had to come to the rescue and pull Bharti back to her seat.

The House was adjourned for the day as there was no let up in protests despite Mahajan expressing her anguish over the developments. “I am extremely sad over the way you (Congress members) behaved with the chair,” she said before adjourning the House for the day.

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“The way papers were thrown at deputy Speaker cannot be pardoned. This is not the way. Is it the way (to behave)? I am warning you... throwing paper is not proper," she said.

Accusing Congress of disrupting the House, parliamentary affairs minister M Venkaiah Naidu said, “The government was ready for discussion on any issue from IPL to BPL but the opposition was not interested in discussion." Uma Bharti asked Congress chief Sonia Gandhi to take action against her party members for throwing papers and showing disrespect to the chair.

