LS may not pursue privilege notice against Vadra: Speaker

 Lok Sabha may not pursue any further action on the privilege notice it issued to Robert Vadra over his remarks on Parliament disruptions with Speaker Sumitra Mahajan saying it was not such a big issue.

The Speaker's remarks came after Vadra replied to the notice saying that there was no attempt on his part to hurt anybody and he was only exercising his right to freedom of expression.

"I do not think it is such a big issue. I have also read the letter. May be it will not be pursued further. I can say that much," Mahajan told reporters when asked about her views on Vadra's reply.

Vadra, in his Facebook post on July 21, the day Monsoon session of Parliament commenced, had taken a swipe at the BJP-led NDA government, without naming it.

"Parliament begins and so do their petty diversionary political tactics... People of India are not fooled. Regret to see India led by such so-called leaders !!," Vadra had said in his post.

Protesting against it, BJP MP Prahlad Joshi said in Lok Sabha that Vadra had "demeaned" Parliamentarians and wanted the issue to be referred to the Privileges Committee and he be summoned before the House.

The MP had later moved a privilege motion against Vadra.
The Lok Sabha Secretariat had written to Vadra giving him a week to respond on the BJP MP's privilege motion.

Mahajan said,"we have got his (Vadra's) letter. I will examine it under the rules of privilege. I have given it to the Secretary General to examine it as per rules. If there is no issue, we will not take up it further (the privilege notice).

Asked about Vadra's reply, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said,"as far as I am aware, Speaker had issued a notice. The person who has to respond will respond. Beyond this, Congress does not have to say anything. final decision will be taken by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha."

Vadra's office declined to comment on the issue.