Date:07/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/07/stories/2008050760251200.htm

National

Privilege motion against Abu Azmi

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Congress member of the Rajya Sabha Jayanthi Natarajan on Tuesday moved a privilege motion against Samajwadi Party member Abu Azim Azmi under Rule 187 of the Rules and Procedure of the Rajya Sabha for “pushing and manhandling” her and other women members in his attempt to “attack” Law Minister H.R. Bhardwaj.

In her notice submitted to Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari, Ms. Natarajan said when the Minister was introducing the 108th Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2008 for one-third reservation of seats for women in Parliament and State Assemblies, the member had to be stopped with the assistance of other members.

“This behaviour of Mr. Azmi has brought great dishonour and shame to the Rajya Sabha. Never in the history of democracy have members of the Rajya Sabha pushed and manhandled other members, particularly women, in an attempt to intimidate the House and the Minister. His behaviour has violated all norms of civilised and appropriate conduct and has brought the House to grave disrepute. It has also prevented us from carrying on our responsibilities as members.”