Thursday, August 11 2005 15:48 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Railway Minister Lalu Prasad today (Aug 11, 2005) apologized to Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee who took strong exception to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) members complaining that they were being deliberately ignored and not allowed to raise issues.

When the House was discussing a calling attention on the situation of jute mills, Jha, Ram Kripal Yadav and other RJD members stood up to highlight the problems confronting jute mill in Katihar in Bihar.

Objecting to this, the Speaker said they had not given notices to participate in the debate on the calling attention and should, therefore, resume their seats.

Both Jha and Yadav said they had given the notices. They said they were being ignored and not allowed to have their say in the House.

An angry Speaker then asked Prasad, who was occupying the front row, whether he as leader of RJD, shared the view of his members on this issue.

"Sorry Sir," Prasad said adding the members had no intention to slight him or show any disrespect towards the chair.

A little later when special mentions were being taken up, Chatterjee took serious note of Yadav questioning him and warned that every challenge to the Speaker will be seen as a breach of privilege.

It was again Prasad's turn to try and cool down tempers.

"Sir, they don't mean to challenge you. In their eagerness to raise issues relating to Bihar and the affection for you, they sometimes take liberties," he said.