Opposition parties served notices in both Houses demanding debates on the “planned conspiracy” remark.
The protests, which included placards reading “justice for Lakhimpur victims” and “sack MoS Home” caused an adjournment, first till 2 pm and then for the day.
Rajya Sabha, Chairman Venkaiah Naidu stopped Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge from speaking, triggering further protests from the Congress and other parties.
A part from Congress, several opposition MPs inclusive of DMK , ShivSena , NCP , NC and others voiced similar demands.
So far, the BJP has defended Teni’s continuation in the Modi cabinet, saying that there was no proof to show his involvement.
Political observers believe it is now difficult for the BJP to defend Teni as Rahul Gandhi is leading the charge
“We should be allowed to speak about the murder that was committed in Lakhimpur Kheri, where there was an involvement of the Minister and about which it has been said that it was a conspiracy. The Minister who killed farmers should resign and be punished,” said Rahul Gandhi.
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has demanded his dismissal after the SIT report said that the Lakhimpur Kheri incident was “well planned.”
“I think he should resign…PM should take his resignation. Only then will the House be quiet. People will also feel the PM is taking democracy forward,” said National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah while talking to media.
Going a step further, Congress general secretary, Priyanka Gandhi attacked prime minister Narendra Modi for protecting Teni. She termed inaction against Teni as “moral bankruptcy”.
The Youth wing of the Congress party also took to streets demanding Teni’s resignation.
Eight persons including a journalist died in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri on October 3, after Teni’s son Ashish mowed down protesters. While five lost their lives after Ashish’s SUV rammed a group of protesters opposing three farm reform laws (now repealed), three others died in the retaliatory attack.
Reconstituted by the Supreme Court, Special Investigation Team (SIT) has said in its report submitted to the chief magistrate’s court that the Lakhimpur Kheri incident was a “planned conspiracy”.
Those who know Teni say he is a lawyer by profession but more interested in wrestling.
According to a former MLA from Lakhimpur Kheri, Teni is allegedly involved in dubious businesses also.
AAP leader Sanjay Saingh had shared an old clip of Teni on Twitter in which Teni can be seen threatening protesting farmers.
“Mishra was one of the main accused in the murder of a Congressman but he was acquitted by the local court apparently due to lack of evidence in 2004,” claimed the MLA.
Mishra was first elected from the Nighasan assembly seat in 2012. Then he won Lok Sabha polls in 2014, defeating BSP candidate Anand Giri. In 2019, he defeated the SP candidate
The Yogi Adityanath government, on Thursday, told the state Assembly that it had taken all appropriate steps in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident, in keeping with the law, and the Opposition should desist from raising the issue for political gains.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna said that a minister’s son was arrested and sent to jail after the FIR was filed against him.
“He is still in jail along with other accused. The families of the deceased have been paid adequate compensation. Investigations are being monitored by the Supreme Court and what more does the opposition want?” he asked.
