CPI(M), BJP members clash in LS over Kerala violence

New Delhi: Members of the CPI(M) and the BJP today clashed in the Lok Sabha today after the former objected to some BJP members’ remarks attacking them over the political violence in Kerala.

Raising the issue during the Zero Hour, senior CPI(M) leader P Karunakaran took strong exception to some BJP members calling Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the party’s general secretary Sitaram Yechury and the party “terrorists” yesterday in the House.

The BJP members indulged in heated exchanges as other CPI(M) members also vociferously protested the remarks made by two BJP members’ remarks during the Zero Hour yesterday.

Karunakaran also said as per rules, the BJP MPs cannot name or attack those who are not present in the House and are not in a position to defend themselves.

The House witnessed noisy scenes and Karunakaran could not be heard further due to the din, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House briefly.

When the House met again, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan did not allow him to raise the issue again, saying whatever he had said had gone on record.

Protesting Left members then trooped into the well with Mohammad Salim (CPI-M) being heard asking the Chair not to “succumb to pressure tactics” of the ruling party members.

Mahajan then allowed Karunakaran to speak again.

He said the Kerala chief minister has been holding meetings with members of the RSS, the Left and other stake holders to end violence and said many Left workers have been also been killed over the years.

Yechury was also attacked, he said.

As BJP members protested again, the Speaker said the BJP members should not turn the House into a ‘Kurukshetra’ but ‘Dharmakshetra’ where they could debate issues.