The Hindu : Other States / Madhya Pradesh News : Ministers, MLAs fall on Uma's feet

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Friday, Feb 18, 2005

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Ministers, MLAs fall on Uma's feet

By Our Staff Correspondent

BHOPAL, FEB. 17. The Congress members today raised strong objection when the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party members, including some Ministers, began touching the former Chief Minister, Uma Bharti's feet as she came to attend the House for the first time after resigning as Chief Minister. On returning here last week after campaigning in Bihar, Ms. Bharti had kept newspersons at bay and refused to answer any query. However, she had announced that she would be attending the Assembly session on a regular basis.

The Chief Minister, Babulal Gaur, who was present in the House, left minutes before Ms. Bharti came to the Assembly this afternoon. No sooner did she enter the House, many BJP MLAs, including some Ministers, went

and touched her feet. When members on the Opposition Congress side objected to this, the State Minister for Public health and Family Welfare, Gauri Shankar Shejwar, said that in the Indian tradition it was one of the ways to receive a respected person. He followed this up by going to Ms. Bharti and touching her feet. He was immediately joined in by a large number of party MLAs, including Ministers. In the midst of the loud protest that followed, the House was adjourned for the lunch break.

Later talking to The Hindu , Congress party's Satyadev Katare said the House rules were clear that the members could welcome any one in the House by thumping of desks. "But what happened today is unprecedented," he said, adding that he was contemplating a privilege motion in this regard.

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