New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Parliament today that the minister who made abusive comments about religious minorities has apologised. "When one of our colleagues asks for forgiveness, we should show generosity," he said, stressing that he has warned clearly that the sort of language used is unacceptable.
"The Minister concerned has apologised. She is a first-time member and comes from a rural background," the PM said in the Lok Sabha or Lower House, where his government is in a majority. He thanked the opposition for allowing the Lok Sabha to function and said "we should move ahead with our work."
Outside, with black cloths tied around their mouths, members of the opposition including Rahul Gandhi protested this morning against the government for refusing to sack Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, who made a hate speech in Delhi on Sunday. They also wanted to know why the PM had yesterday made a statement on the controversy only in the Rajya Sabha or Upper House, where his party, the BJP, and its allies, are in a minority.
Mr Gandhi, 44, is Vice-President of the Congress. In a rare show of unity, his party has combined with others, both for this morning's demonstration and to stall Parliament; the government wants to clear important legislation, much of it related to economic reforms, in this month-long winter session of Parliament.
Ignoring the appeal to get back to work, the Left's Sitaram Yechury said yesterday, "An apology means admission of guilt, and in this case the Constitution has been violated. How can she remain a minister?"
The government has made it clear this week that the minister, a first-time parliamentarian from Uttar Pradesh, will not be fired. But this week, her appearance has been cancelled at rallies in Delhi which will vote early next year.
