Elders invoke Amma, Akka, Anna in vain

Senior leaders across parties tried to invoke a spirit of cordiality in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday by using words like Amma (mother), Akka (sister) and Anna (elder brother). However, it did not work and the House continued to see disruptions over the Moga incident in Punjab.

“I know that we are politicians also. But, at the same time, we are in a House. If you want to say something against a particular government, against action of a government, then the Members of the Parliament from that state also have a right to speak when others are trying to score a political point,” said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkiah Naidu with Opposition leaders insisting on a discussion on the Moga incident.

At that moment, senior Congress leader Renuka Chaudhary wanted to intervene. “Amma, please,” Naidu said, requesting her not to interrupt.

“It is an issue that affects women,” Chaudhary asserted. The Deputy Chairman asked her to listen to the minister.

Minister of state for commerce Nirmala Sitaraman also urged that she listen to Naidu.

“We were listening to you, Amma,” Naidu urged again.

“Amma is that side. I am Akka,” said Chaudhary, obviously referring to Jayalalitha, the AIADMK leader.

“You know the difference between ‘Amma’ and ‘Akka’,” Naidu addressed the Chair. “Amma’ is mother; ‘Akka’ is sister. But there is another connotation. When we have some love and affection for somebody, we call ‘Amma’. I call my granddaughter ‘Amma’,”  Naidu explained.  

The Deputy Chairman agreed. Naidu, however, urged that other issues should be taken up instead of discussing the Moga incident.

CPM leader Sitaram Yechury objected to Naidu’s proposal and invoked another word of respect: ‘Anna’. 

However, such warm exclamations did not work and disruptions continued leading to adjournments.