Row over Trinamool MP's remarks on Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister rejects apology

Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee made personal remarks against Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday. The remarks were expunged by the Lok Sabha Speaker and Banerjee apologised for them, but Scindia refused to accept his apology.

In Short

• Kalyan Banerjee's remarks expunged by Speaker, he tenders apology
• Jyotiraditya Scindia refuses to accept his apology over personal attack
• BJP women MPs demand Banerjee's suspension for remarks

The Lok Sabha was in an uproar on Wednesday after Trinamool Congress's Kalyan Banerjee made objectionable remarks against Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. Banerjee's remarks were expunged by Speaker Om Birla and the Trinamool leader issued an apology to Scindia. However, Scindia refused to accept his apology for the "personal attack on him and on the women of India".

The issue arose following Banerjee's speech during a discussion on amendments to the Disaster Management Act, in which the Trinamool MP accused the central government of non-cooperation during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jyotiraditya Scindia, along with Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, countered the allegations made by Banerjee.

Kalyan Banerjee then made personal remarks against Scindia.

A verbal spat ensued and the House had to be adjourned due to the uproar. When Lok Sabha reconvened, Kalyan Banerjee apologised for his remarks, but Scindia refused his apology.

"Mr Kalyan Banerjee rose in this House and said sorry. But I will say that we all come to this House with the spirit of contribution to the nation's development...but we also come with a sense of self respect.

"Any individual in their lives will not stand compromising with their self respect. Attack us on our policies, on our views, but if you will get personal, certainly be prepared for the response," Jyotiraditya Scindia said.

"He has apologised... I do not accept his apology for the personal attack that he had made on me and on the women of India," he said.

Following the controversial remarks, Women MPs of the BJP met Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and have complained against Kalyan Banerjee. They have sought Banerjee's suspension from Parliament for rest of the Winter Session over his remarks against Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.