NEW DELHI: Amid an uproar, AAP MP Bhagwant Mann today gave an unconditional apology over his video filming of the Parliament security as he was summoned by Lok Speaker Sumitra Mahajan who will consult political parties for “appropriate action” into the “too serious” matter.
Mann was pulled up by the Speaker when he appeared before her at 11.10 am, sources in her office said.
As the issue rocked both Houses of Parliament with MPs demanding strong action against him, the Lok Sabha member from Sangrur said he had made the “mistake inadvertently” and that he had no intention of compromising the security of Parliament.
In his apology letter submitted to the Speaker, Mann said when he was coming to the House to attend Zero Hour, he had made the video by mistake as “I did not know that it is against the rules”.
Contending that he had no intention of compromising the security of Parliament, he said, “I apologies unconditionally.
I will not repeat it in future.”
The Speaker, however, was not impressed by his apology, saying it was a matter “too serious” considering that Parliament has been attacked by terrorists once.
Mahajan later told reporters that if it had been a matter concerning the proceedings inside the House, she would have taken action immediately.
However, since it is a matter relating to the Parliament complex, she would consult political parties for “appropriate action”.
She said this matter is above ethics or privilege as it concerns the security of Parliament and MPs who are the representatives of the people.
In this context, the Speaker noted that Parliament complex has already been attacked by terrorists on December 13, 2001 in which 13 people lost their lives. The sources said the Speaker saw the controversial video film last evening and was shocked, wondering if every MP indulges in such an act, how then the dignity of Parliament could be maintained.
Before Mahajan came to the House, a number of MPs from Akali Dal, BJP and Shiv Sena met her and demanded action against Mann, the sources said.
After her meeting with Mann, the Speaker held consultations with Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai and some other leaders to take suggestions on the matter.
She also sought details about the protective arrangements from a Parliamentary Committee looking after security of the complex.
A number of members in Lok Sabha, including those from Akali Dal, BJP and Shiv Sena had given notices for Adjournment Motion to discuss the issue.
Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed uproar over the issue, with MPs demanding strong action against Mann, saying he had compromised the security of Parliament.
Due to the uproar, both Houses could not transact any business and had to be adjourned for the day prematurely. –PTI
