'Minister is a criminal': Rahul Gandhi seeks Ajay Mishra's ouster over Lakhimpur violence in Lok Sabha

Highlights

Oppn has sharpened attack on govt over SIT report on Lakhimpur violence that claimed 8 lives in Oct
The SIT probing Lakhimpur violence in its report said that it was a 'pre-planned conspiracy'
13 people have been arrested including Teni's son in connection with the case. Teni is MoS in MHA

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday called Union Minister Ajay Mishra Teni a 'criminal'. As soon as the Lok Sabha met to transact business today, Opposition MPs created ruckus in the House as they sought the Minister's ouster from the Union Cabinet for his involvement in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi joined Opposition colleagues in the House and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of shielding the Minister. He said that the 'Opposition wants a discussion in Parliament, but the Prime Minister refuses'. "They are making excuses," he said, adding that "the minister must resign. He is a criminal."

The massive ruckus, shouting and chaos by the Opposition MPs in the Lok Sabha caused the House to be adjourned till 2 pm. The Rajya Sabha too witnessed a similar scene as Opposition MPs demanded the immediate resignation of Teni. The Chair adjourned the proceedings till 2 pm.

Meanwhile, Ajay Misra is present at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in the North Block. He is holding some official meetings related to his department. According to reports, he could meet BJP president JP Nadda in Delhi later in the day.

The opposition has renewed its demand for the minister's dismissal after a special investigation team (SIT) told a local court that the Lakhimpur Kheri violence in which eight people, including four farmers, were killed was a "pre-planned conspiracy". Two separate FIRs were filed in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident. The SIT had arrested 13 people including Ashish Mishra Teni in the first FIR in connection with the death of the four farmers and the journalist. In the second FIR relating to the death of two BJP workers and a driver during the violence, the SIT had arrested four people.