The Lok Sabha (LS) Speaker on Friday summoned and chastised AAP MP from Punjab Bhagwant Mann for his video recording of parliament building and uploading it on Facebook, which breached security protocols.
“The issue of Mann’s video is serious; some kind of action should be taken as 13 people had laid down their lives protecting Parliament,” Mahajan said, referring to the 2001 Parliament attack.
A notice of privilege against Mann has also been given to the Lok Sabha Speaker by BJP MPs Maheish Giri and Kirit Somaiya.
Both Houses were rocked by protests against Mann’s action on Friday as prominent leaders cutting across party lines said the Sangrur MP’s actions had seriously compromised Parliament’s security.
However, Mr. Mann, who is also a standup comedian, has now furnished an unconditional apology. “I did it unknowingly. I didn’t know that it will become such a big issue,” he said.
Aggressive demands forced repeated disruptions in both houses; the Lok Sabha ended the day early without any business.
“A committee will be formed, an apology is not enough as all party members are upset,” said Mahajan, who summoned Mr. Mann.
The Lok Sabha was adjourned till Monday amid continuing uproar, while the Rajya Sabha also witnessed repeated disruptions.
BJP MP RK Singh said in the Lok Sabha that information about sensitive security positions that can help terrorists facilitate an attack has been provided by Bhagwant Mann through the video.
“Bhagwant Mann said that he will do it again. He must be suspended with immediate effect,” Singh demanded.
“One should not play with the security of Parliament. Making such videos viral is not the right thing to do,” Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said.
In the 11 minute 52 second video, Mann is seen entering the Parliament lobby with the phone where he also recorded the procedure of asking questions during Zero Hour. The video shows him narrating the security procedures that an MP is subjected to while entering Parliament.
