New Delhi: Congress MP Hibi Eden submitted a notice in the Lok Sabha on Thursday to move a privilege motion against BJP MP Sambit Patra for his remarks against Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi. In a December 5 press conference, Patra had called Gandhi a ‘traitor of the highest order.’ MP Eden stated that Patra’s usage of ‘completely defamatory and unparliamentary words’ violated constitutional norms.
In his letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Eden stated, “I wish to raise a motion of privilege and bring to your attention the completely unparliamentary conduct of Sambit Patra, MP Lok Sabha, against the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi.”
The Ernakulam MP, Eden, argued that usage of such words against the LOP was unacceptable in public life. “I wish to highlight that the position of the Leader of Opposition is a constitutional position and therefore requisite parliamentary dignity needs to be given to such a post. Patra, by the usage of completely defamatory and unparliamentary words, has clearly violated constitutional norms and should be held in contempt of the same,” he stated in the letter.
“I further wish to add that it is highly unfortunate and disgraceful that a leader whose family has given so many sacrifices for the country is being subjected to such harsh and socially appalling language by a member of the ruling party,” the letter cited.
On Thursday, Congress MP Manickam Tagore had also written to Birla, expressing ‘deep concern’ over Patra using ‘slanderous language’ against Gandhi. He had also sought stringent action against the BJP leader, who is also a MP from Puri.
In the controversial press conference, Patra had alleged that Rahul Gandhi was part of a ‘dangerous triangle’ with billionaire investor George Soros and some US-based agencies, trying to destabilise India and stoke public disaffection for a regime change in the country.
Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the Wayanad MP, has also reacted against Patra’s remark and claimed that ‘nothing was above country’ for her brother and the Rae Bareli MP, Rahul Gandhi.
