Trinamool MP asked to leave Rajya Sabha

Trinamool Congress (TMC) members today staged a walkout in Rajya Sabha after fellow party leader was asked to leave the house for the day.

Chairman Hamid Ansari asked TMC member Sukhendu Sekhar Roy to leave the house for the day as he raised chopper deal issue, despite his notice being rejected.

The TMC, which is facing the Congress-Left combine in the West Bengal assembly election, today sought to corner the Congress in Rajya Sabha by raising the AgustaWestland helicopter issue and wanting to know who the 'Gandhi' and 'AP' are the alleged bribe seekers in the deal.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Roy wanted to know who has taken the bribe in the deal to buy 12 VVIP helicopters. "Defence Minister has to give a statement. Why is the government silent," he asked. "Who is this AP (named as alleged bribe taker in the deal)? Who is Gandhi? Who is Shashikant."

He wanted the Defence Minister to make a statement on the issue after suspending regular business and matter discussed. "The government has to disclose the identity (of bribe takers)," he said.

Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said there is no rule for suspension of business during Zero Hour and disallowed his notice.