MPs rock Parl, seek action against Mann
Saturday, 23/07/2016
http://epaper.dailypostindia.com/Details.aspx?id=161530&boxid=65660&uid=&dat=2016-07-23
NDA, CONG AND SHIV SENA MEMBERS JOIN HANDS; Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned repeatedly over the issue.
New Delhi : Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) MP from Sangrur Bhagwan Mann’s controversial filming of Parliament security rocked the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on Friday, with lawmakers, mostly from the ruling NDA, demanding strong action against him and creating uproar which led to a washout of the proceedings.
Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, who summoned Mann and obtained his ‘unconditional apology’ termed his act a ‘serious issue’ and assured protesting members that some action would be taken. Both Houses saw trouble from the start, with members mostly from NDA constituents like the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), BJP and Shiv Sena, saying Mann had compromised the security of Parliament by making and uploading on social media the video film which showed the route, his access and protective arrangements.
They were joined by members of Congress and Left parties in demanding action against Mann. The uproar led to repeated adjournments of both Houses before the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day minutes after noon and the Rajya Sabha at around 2.40 pm. Opposition Congress and CPI-M also slammed Mann’s action and wanted to know what action the government has taken for the ‘serious security breach.’ They questioned what stopped the ruling side from taking action against Mann in the Lok Sabha, where NDA has the absolute majority. AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, however, refused to answer a question on Mann who landed in trouble for filming the Parliament complex and sharing it on social media.
MHA to suggest enhanced security for Parl complex
New Delhi: In the wake of a row over shooting of a video of the high-security Parliament House by AAP MP Bhagwant Mann, the Home Ministry is likely to suggest upgrading the electronic security system for vehicles and individuals, including parliamentarians. “There is a need for complete overall of the security system in the Parliament complex on a priority basis,” a senior Home Ministry official said.
There is a feeling in the security establishment that the AAP MP allegedly exposed the security apparatus set up right from the Vijay Chowk, opposite Parliament, till the main gate of the building. The official pointed out that the terrorists, who attacked the Parliament on December 13, 2001, could not enter the main building as they did not find out the way. “Mann’s video a gives clear view of the way till the main entrance,” the official said.
Breach of privilege: R K Singh
New Delhi: BJP MP and former Home Secretary R K Singh said the AAP member has put a question mark on the security of the sensitive complex. He demanded a breach of privilege motion be brought against Mann, while Kirit Somaiya of the BJP demanded his disqualification as an MP.
A serious matter: P J Kurien
New Delhi: Admitting that the matter was very serious, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha P J Kurien said the Central government has to take cognisance of the security violation and take appropriate legal action. “If members want a discussion on the issue, an appropriate resolution has to be brought,’ he said.
Act under NSA: M A Naqvi
New Delhi: Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi sought action under the National Security Act (NSA) against the member, saying he had exposed to terrorists the security apparatus inside the Parliament building complex. “Mann, by putting the video on security checks, positioning of security personnel and layout of Parliament House complex on social media sites, was helping terrorists succeed in their nefarious designs.”
