Ansari remark leads to RS debate
In an impromptu discussion arising out of Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari’s Tuesday’s “federation of anarchists” remarks, the Upper House on Wednesday saw members giving multiple definitions to the term “anarchism.”
Though Dr Ansari, after many members urged him to withdraw the remarks, maintained that it was not an allegation against anybody and that he would ask his secretariat to review it in light of the atmosphere prevailing in the House at that time, some members including from JD(U), LJP’s Ramvials Paswan and Congress were seen agreeing that the term “anarchists” was not unparliamentary. Infact, JD(U)’s K.C. Tyagi termed “anarchism” as a “political phenomenon.” He even suggested that there should be debate on whether or not the term is unparliamentary.
NCP’s Y.P. Trivedi said that one needs not go to the “historical meaning” or “etymological meaning” of the word but the “popular feeling” which is that “anarchist is one who does not believe in the established law and order situation. And this is not a very healthy one.”
He urged that the word could be substituted by something “more palatable” and which also expresses the feeling of the Chair. On Tuesday when the House was in turmoil over various issues, Dr Ansari had observed: “Every single rule in the rule book, every single etiquette is being violated...If the Hon’ble members wish the House to become a federation of anarchists, then it is a different matter.” Dr Ansari on Wednesday said that the Chair is not part of the government and his endeavour has been to run the House according to the rule book.
“Time has come for us to review our practices and rules and carry out changes as necessary,” he said, adding he would soon call a meeting of leaders to discuss how rules need to be amended.
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