New Delhi, March 12
Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, who was in the eye of a storm for his attack against North Indians in Mumbai, has been served a notice by the Privilege Committee of Parliament over his recent article in the party mouthpiece Saamna.
In this signed article, which sparked off strong protests in Parliament last week, Thackeray had specifically targeted the MPs from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, saying: “The UP-Bihari MPs have shown their ingratitude towards Mumbai and Maharashtra with an anti-Marathi tirade in Parliament.” Coming down heavily on Biharis, he said, “They were an unwanted lot” in all parts of the country. The Shiv Sena patriarch would now have to explain his comments.
Protesting MPs from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, including Devendra Yadav and Prabhu Nath Singh, had moved a notice of breach of privilege against Thackeray and accused him of ‘lowering the dignity of MPs as also of Parliament’.
Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee had taken serious note of the Shiv Sena’s chief’s tirade against north Indians, stating that these comments amounted to contempt of the House.
Thackeray now has to appear before the15-member Lok Sabha Privilege Committee to explain why his remarks should not be considered a breach of privilege. Thackeray could face punishment, including a jail term, if the committee is not convinced with his explanation.
Last year, the Indian Ambassador to the US, Ronen Sen, was hauled up before the privilege committee for describing politicians as ‘headless chicken’ in an interview. He was, however, let off after he tendered an apology.
