Bhutan MPs witness Parliament's 'funny' side

Rajya Sabha members had a hearty laugh on Monday morning when Chairman Hamid Ansari said a visiting Bhutanese Parliamentary delegation could “learn” more about the Indian Parliamentary system by witnessing the proceedings.

As Ansari welcomed the guests, saying, “We hope that during their stay here they would be able to see and learn more about our parliamentary system,” the entire House erupted in spontaneous laughter, possibly conscious of the fact that the Parliament was witnessing acrimonious bickering and continued disruptions since the beginning of the monsoon session on July 21.

Failing to understand the reason of this loud laughter, the foreign guests from Bhutan too gently smiled in response. But, they soon realised the reason behind that loud laughter.

As soon as the Chairman  declared the Question Hour, Congress MPs stood up and started showing placards and shouting slogans. Within three minutes or so, the House was adjourned.  The Bhutanese delegation, led by Jigme Zangpo, Speaker of the National Assembly of Bhutan and Sonam Kinga, Chairperson of the National Council of Bhutan, later met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who picked Bhutan as his first foreign tour after taking office.