Rajnath Singh hurt as CPM MP picks up old line

New Delhi: Verbal clashes and repeated adjournments were witnessed during the debate on “intolerance” in the Lok Sabha on Monday after CPM member Mohammad Salim made some remarks against Union home minister Rajnath Singh which were later expunged by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.

The debate, in which several MPs participated, remained inconclusive and will wrap up on Tuesday with the home minister’s reply. Mr Salim, shortly after he started the debate, for which he had given prior notice, made some remarks against Mr Singh while citing a news magazine report.

The remarks immediately evoked strong reactions from BJP members and the home minister sought an apology from the MP. Mr Salim refused to take back his words and this led to a deadlock in the House.

Skill development minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy exhorted the Speaker to urge the CPM member to apologise otherwise it would become difficult for the House to function. Mr Singh said he was deeply hurt by the comments made against him and claimed that never in his entire political career had he faced such allegations.

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