Apologise to the nation, says Govt after CCTV videos show Opposition manhandling Marshals

The Narendra Modi government on Thursday hammered the Opposition for pulling and manhandling marshals inside the Rajya Sabha during their August 11 protest in the House.

Addressing media persons, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said, "The day before yesterday, some MPs climbed on top of the tables (in Parliament). They were feeling proud of themselves. They thought they've done something great. They tweeted after shooting its video. Video shooting is not allowed."

"Opposition did not let the Parliament to function smoothly. They didn't allow the discussion on important bills. I demand opposition MPs must apologize," he said.

Also attending the briefing were Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, I&B Minister Anurag Thakur, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan amd Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal.

Anurag Thakur said, "People wait for their issues to be raised in Parliament whereas anarchy remained the Opposition's agenda. They did not care about people, taxpayers' money. What happened was condemnable. They must apologise to nation instead of shedding crocodile tears."

Piyush Goyal said, "Forget about tendering an apology...opposition MPs have assaulted marshals."