Monday, August 28 2006 10:01 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kolkata: Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee yesterday (Aug 27, 2006) said the recent country-wide anti-quota agitation was pointless because it came at a time when the reservation bill had not been enacted.

''The bill has not yet been enacted. So what is the point holding the agitations?'' he told newsmen here after attending the function of a private educational institution here.

Asked to comment about allegations that he was holding an office of profit, the Speaker said, ''It is being said that I am the president of the Asiatic Society. I would have been proud to be in that post, but I never held it.''

Describing as 'unfortunate' Thursday's pandemonium in the Lok Sabha between RJD and JD(U) members, Chatterjee said, ''I express regret for what happened that day. The entire country has seen it. People have not taken it kindly.''