New Delhi:In a recent development, Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, representing Shiv Sena, has formally requested House chairperson Jagdeep Dhankar to expunge the remarks made by IT and Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw regarding similarly worded questions on net neutrality raised by multiple opposition members. Chaturvedi has deemed these remarks as a breach of privilege and has sought their removal from the official records.
Chaturvedi, in a letter addressed to the Rajya Sabha chairperson, expressed her concern over the remarks made by Minister Vaishnaw during a session where she was not present to defend herself. She emphasized that the comments were made without a proper understanding of how the Question Hour operates, deeming them uncalled for and unbecoming of the minister’s position.
The IT Minister had pointed out the identical nature of questions on net neutrality raised by members of the opposition during a session. Responding to a question by Bahujan Samaj Party MP Ritesh Pandey, Vaishnaw highlighted that similar questions were asked by members of Congress and Shiv Sena, sparking a discussion on the repetition of questions in parliamentary proceedings.
Chaturvedi has received assurances from the chairperson and the secretary general of Rajya Sabha that they will look into the matter. She emphasized that such remarks, made in the absence of the concerned member, need to be expunged to uphold the principles of fairness and parliamentary decorum.
The incident has triggered discussions on the rules governing question repetition in parliamentary sessions, with experts providing insights into the technicalities involved.
