Vijender Gupta in soup over article on ‘abolishing’ Rajya Sabha

Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly and BJP MLA Vijender Gupta appears to be in trouble with Speaker Ram Niwas Goel seeking an explanation from him following a communication from Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari to initiate necessary action against Mr Gupta for allegedly favouring abolition of the Upper House of Parliament.

Mr Ansari had asked the Delhi Assembly Speaker to take necessary action against Mr Gupta, holding that the matter seems to involve prima facie question of privilege while acting on a complaint by JD(U) MP K.C. Tyagi, who accused the BJP MLA of casting aspersions on the members of the Rajya Sabha.

Referring to a newspaper article written by Mr Gupta, Mr Tyagi alleged that the BJP MLA had sought to underline the differences between the two Houses of Parliament and had suggested abolition of the Rajya Sabha.

In his privilege notice to Mr Ansari against Mr Gupta under Rule 188 of conduct of the business in the House, Mr Tyagi had held that the views expressed by the Delhi BJP legislator amounted to breach of privilege and contempt of the House.

In his communication to the Delhi Assembly Speaker, Mr Ansari said since one House cannot claim or exercise any authority over members of the other House, he was referring the matter to Mr Goel for further necessary action. “Following instructions from the vice-president, we have sought explanation from Mr Gupta. He has sought 15 days to submit his response,” said Mr Goel. There are indications that Mr Goel may refer the case to the Assembly’s privileges committee and, based on its report, a final decision on the fate of the BJP leader will be taken by the Speaker. When contacted, Mr Gupta justified his remarks saying he wanted a debate on the issue and there was “nothing wrong” in it. “I stand by what I have written. I have done no wrong. Such a debate should be normal in any democracy. There have been efforts to get political mileage out of the issue,” the BJP MLA said. The row has come at a time when a number of leaders have raised the issue of role and relevance of the Rajya Sabha in the wake of the Upper House not clearing a number of bills passed by the Lok Sabha where the Modi government has majority.