Date:15/07/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/07/15/stories/2004071504221000.htm

National

Don't strip me: Shekhawat

NEW DELHI, JULY 14 . "Please do not strip me," the Rajya Sabha Chairman, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, appealed today as the House witnessed heated exchanges between the ruling and Opposition benches over media reports that a murder case was pending against the Union Minister, Shibu Soren.

In a bid to counter the attack by the BJP-led Opposition on the Soren issue, the CPI (M) member, Nilotpal Basu, said the matter relating to the alleged strip-search of the then Defence Minister, George Fernandes, in the United States should also be discussed as it concerned the country's self-respect.

"What was the NDA Government doing? Was the Government in deep slumber?" he asked, and said it was "shameful."

"Why are you stripping me? Please do not strip me," Mr. Shekhawat said as the Opposition and ruling benches indulged in verbal exchanges. — PTI