NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha proceedings on Wednesday were disrupted by MPs shouting slogans over Hyderabad student Rohith Vemula's death and the JNU controversy.
However, the highlight of the day was the heated argument between Human Resources Development Minister Smriti Irani and Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati.
The BSP was in the well of the House since the commencement of the day demanding justice for Rohith's family and resignation for Irani.
When Mayawati was demanding answers from the government on whether a Dalit is a part of the committee that is looking into Rohith Vemula suicide case or not, Smriti Irani had her response ready.
A furious Irani lashed out at the former UP CM. And, this is what she said:
"Mai vinamar nivedan karti hun aap mujhse varisth hai, mahila hai. Agar aap mera jawab chahti hai toh mai jawab dene ko tyaar hun. Aapki jo-jo maange hai, mai subah se sun rahi hun behenji. Mai aapse se kehti hun agar mere jawab se aap santusht nai ho, toh iss sabah mei kehti hun Mayawati ji, mai BSP ke ek-ek karyakarta aur aapke netaon se kehti hun, sar kalam karke aapke charon mei chod denge agar aap jawab se aap asantusht ho. Sun lijiye aap mera jawab."
"(I request you, Mayawati ji. I am ready to give reply. I have been listening to your demands since morning. And if you are unsatisfied with my reply, then I will cut my head, and put it before your feet.)"
In response, Mayawati clarified that all she wanted was a Dalit on the panel, nothing more.
“A Dalit professor was there whose decision you would not have accepted… You want to say Mayawati ji, a Dalit is a Dalit only if Mayawati ji gives a certificate?” Irani said, causing a huge uproar among the protesting members.
Watch the video here:
Angry exchanges took place between Irani and Mayawati amid the din, as BSP members raised slogans calling the government “anti-Dalit”.
The House was finally adjourned.
Meanwhile, this is how Twitter reacted:
Dipan Ghosh @dipanghosh
@priyashmita @scotchism @smritiirani confusion, how does one offer one's own head after chopping it off? Nice ghost story.
Brown Sahiba @Rajyasree
Ironically, Smriti Irani's speech is sounding a lot like the dialogues of Mother India. All that's left is for her to shoot Sunil Dutt.
Here's what else the HRD minister said in the Parliament today:
"No attempt was made to take Rohith Vemula to the hospital, his body was used as a political tool."
"Have you ever seen Rahul Gandhi go to one spot twice? No, he saw political opportunity here (Hyderabad University campus)."
"I am Smriti Irani. I challenge you to ask my caste."
"Mujhe suli pe chadhaya jaa raha hai kyunki mere vibhaag ne patra likha (I am being targeted because my department wrote the letter)."
"I am not certifying your patriotism, but do not demean mine."
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