T.R. Baalu’s remark against Minister sets off uproar in House
The Lok Sabha witnessed a heated exchange during the Question Hour on Tuesday as discussions over alleged discrimination against Tamil Nadu in funds disbursal took centre stage.
The issue arose when DMK MP TR Baalu raised concerns about alleged discrepancies in the central government’s disbursal of funds to Tamil Nadu. Baalu accused the central government of failing to adequately support the state, particularly in the wake of Cyclone Michaung.
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai firmly stated that there was no discrimination in the disbursal of funds, and accused some of playing divisive politics with an “impure agenda.”
When Baalu criticised the Centre for its failure to provide adequate warning ahead of the cyclone, Minister of State L Murugan tried to interrupt him. In response, Baalu lashed out at Murugan, saying, “Don’t interfere. You are unfit to be an MP… you are unfit to be a minister! Sit down!”
This remark did not sit well with Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Meghwal, who immediately leapt up and demanded an apology from Baalu. “You cannot call our minister ‘unfit’. Take back your words… They should be struck off the record,” said Meghwal.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi also joined the clamour and reprimanded Baalu, saying, “How can you call him unfit? The DMK government is unfit! Congress is unfit! You called a Dalit minister unfit… He is insulting the entire SC community.”
The session descended into chaos as members from both sides raised their voices, leading to a massive ruckus in the House. “TR Baalu apologise” cries echoed through the chamber.