BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha today expressed unhappiness over the suspension of 25 Congress members from the Lok Sabha, inviting a dig from Union minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy who said he was an artiste and not aware of the circumstances as he does not come frequently to the House.
Sinha, who is said to be unhappy with the party leadership for ignoring him, also showered praise on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, a bete noire of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him “a leader of the masses”.
“Feel unhappy about the developments in Parliament and the expulsion of 25 learned MP friends, including one who was not even present. Good sense must prevail, sooner the better. I felt sad for my friends and colleagues and pray that smooth functioning and order in Parliament is restored at the earliest,” he said in a series of tweets.
The veteran actor, however, later issued a clarification after his comments triggered yet another round of speculation over his political motives and said feeling sad or happy about anything is not “anti-party activity”.
“Please don’t go overboard in reaction to what I have tweeted. I have only expressed my sadness that things have come to such a pass that the honorable and respected Speaker had to take such a strong decision. I wish to clarify that I am in no way questioning the decision of the honorable speaker, which is final and binding,” he said.
Praising Kumar, whom he had met soon after Modi assailed him at a rally in Bihar last month, Sinha said he was humbled and touched by his glowing compliments for him.
“I am fond of him as a friend and a much respected leader of the masses. This exchange need not cause concern, alarm or jealousy among our people,” he tweeted.
Rudy, an MP from Bihar, took a dig at Sinha, saying he did not come frequently to the Lok Sabha and was not aware under what circumstances the Speaker took the decision to suspend the Congress members.
“And he is an artiste. So his comments should be taken in that context,” he told reporters.