Govt seeks apology from Congress MPs for behaviour towards Smriti Irani

The Lok Sabha was adjourned before 3 pm on Friday following members of the BJP and other parties demanding an apology from two Congress MPs for adopting a "threatening position" towards Union minister Smriti Irani when she was speaking on the Unnao issue.

Ruling BJP members accused Congress MPs Dean Kuriakose and TN Prathapan of charging towards Irani when she was speaking in the House. Prathapan was purportedly seen rolling up his sleeves in the aisle. When the two members did not turn up in the House after the issue heated up, Meenakshi Lekhi, who was chairing the proceedings, adjourned the House for the day. It will now meet on Monday.

"This is the most condemnable behaviour. They came in threatening position... when she was speaking. She is a lady member of the House. It is most uncalled for and they should apologise," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said in the House after the lunch break.