Lok Sabha Speaker ignores Rahul Gandhi's allegations of partiality

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Wednesday refused to respond to allegations leveled by Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi alleging partiality by the speaker in the running of the house.

"Won't respond if anyone makes allegations against me. To run Question Hour is a priority," Mahajan said. "I try that everyone gets an opportunity to speak during Question Hour, I try to listen to every member of the House," Mahajan added.

"I am trying to do my work with transparency. I am not bound to respond to allegations made by anyone," she further added. Accusing the NDA Government of partiality, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said that the opinions of his party are not being heard in Parliament, and that the new government does not encourage any form of discussion over any issue.

"It is one-sided partiality that is what we are raising. I have raised my voice many times in the parliament. We are not being allowed to speak," said Gandhi. "We are asking for discussions, but this government does not want or accept discussions. Only one man's voice is being heard," he added.

Gandhi said this after protesting in the well of the Lok Sabha today with other Congress leaders. His party disrupted the Lok Sabha, demanding a discussion on communal violence in Uttar Pradesh and other parts of the country which was turned down by Lok Sabha Speaker Sunitra Mahajan.