Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit’s remark about the influx of people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar into the city led to protests by the RJD, Samajwadi Party and BJP in the Lok Sabha today, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House.

The protests began immediately after the House was convened following the morning commemoration function in the Central Hall on the 1857 Revolt when the Speaker tried to list out functions organised to mark the occasion.

Joining hands on the issue, as they trooped into the well of the House, the members from the three parties demanded an unconditional apology from Dikshit and her dismissal as Chief Minister. The Speaker tried to restore order, saying the Delhi Chief Minister had apologised for her remarks, but the protests continued.

RJD and SP members said the remarks were made during the commemoration of the 1857 Revolt in which sepoys from the region had taken part. The Speaker adjourned the House till noon after the first interruption, and when the protests continued on resumption, the Lok Sabha was adjourned till Friday morning. Sheila says sorry, Newsline

Sena backs Dikshit

NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, on the back-foot over her comments about immigrants from UP and Bihar in the national capital, received some support on Friday, albeit from a predictable quarter, the Shiv Sena. “There is no need for her to go back on her words because she has stated a fact,” said Manohar Joshi, former Lok Sabha Speaker. He said Dikshit’s comments only demonstrated that people took time, but ultimately followed what Sena supreme Bal Thackeray said.