Congress's Ranjan Chowdhury calls Nirmala 'Nirbala', BJP protests
New Delhi, Dec 2: Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Monday took a swipe at Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman by calling her "Nirbala", which immediately drew protest from BJP members in the House.
Participating in the discussion on the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, Chowdhury suggested that the finance minister has become weak and called her 'Nirbala Sitharaman'.
As the BJP members protested against his comment, Speaker Om Birla ruled that any unparliamentary remark would be removed from the records.
During her reply, Sitharaman did not directly refer to Chowdhury's comment but concluded her speech by saying she still is Nirmala and "sabla" (empowered).
"Under this government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, women are sablas," she said.
Chowdhury had also attacked the government during the debate, saying the ruling National Democratic Alliance can also be called the "Non-Delivery Agency" as it only makes promises.
Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur demanded that Chowdhury apologise and withdraw his remark against Sitharaman.
"You are raising question marks on her capability... She is here due to her merit," he said, adding that such remarks are disrespectful to women.
Chowdhury refused to withdraw his remark but said, "You can remove it from proceedings, if you wish."
He sought to defend himself saying he had said the finance minister did not have the freedom to work freely, therefore, "I wonder whether you are Nirmala or Nirbala."
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal said instead of apologising, Chowdhury was defending his remark which was not right.
Seeking to calm the agitated members, Speaker Birla said unparliamentary comments from opposition as well as the treasury benches would be removed from the records.
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Incidents of firing, intimidation reported from few places in Manipur, no injuries
Imphal, Apr 19: Incidents of intimidation and firing were reported from at least two places in Inner Manipur constituency where voting for the Lok Sabha polls is currently underway, officials said on Friday.
At Thamnapokpi under Moirang constituency in Bishnupur district, armed men fired several rounds in the air near a polling booth prompting voters to flee, police said on Friday, adding additional security personnel were rushed to the spot to contain the situation.
Unidentified armed men also intimidated election agents of a particular political party at different places and asked them to leave the polling stations, they said.
At Uripok and Iroishemba in Imphal West district, armed men asked agents of a party to leave the premises of polling stations, an official said.
"Incensed with the intimidation, voters at Iroishemba forcefully entered polling stations and destroyed elections materials and equipment," the official said.
At Kiyamgei in Imphal East district's Keirao constituency, armed men fired blank shots and intimidated Congress polling agents.
Earlier in the morning, at Khongman Zone 4 in Imphal East district, an altercation broke out between voters and unidentified men leading to damage of EVMs.
Meanwhile, several areas in Kuki-dominated assembly segments in Outer Manipur recorded a thin turnout till 1pm.
Saitu and Saikul constituencies in Kangpokpi district recorded a turnout of 13.22 per cent and 8.58 per cent, respectively, officials said.
Henglep in Churachandpur district recorded the highest turnout in all Kuki-dominated assembly segments with 49 per cent.
Churachandpur assembly segment on the other hand recorded 43.67 per cent turnout.
Chandel constituency, which has both Naga and Kuki voters, recorded a turnout of 68.63 per cent.
Meitei dominated assembly segments in Outer Manipur, however, recorded a slightly higher turnout than Kuki areas.
Khangabok in Thoubal district recorded 52.68 per cent voting, officials said.
Polling is underway in 15 assembly segments of the total 28 constituencies of Outer Manipur on Friday.
Inner Manipur Constituency
— Tamal Saha (@Tamal0401) April 19, 2024
This is what has happened at the polling booth in Moirangkampu Sajeb in #Manipur. Miscreants came and opened firing. One 65 year old man injured and now hospitalised. All election papers burnt down. One evm machine destroyed and set ablaze. Locals say… pic.twitter.com/mpUKEYeCCm
