BJP, Left press for Sen's recall

NEW DELHI: Stepping up pressure, the BJP-led opposition and Left parties on Wednesday demanded the recall of India's Ambassador to the US Ronen Sen over his "derogatory" remarks against MPs and the media with the Government also voicing its disapproval of the envoy's conduct.

Proceedings in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were disrupted with the Opposition and Left parties pressing that Sen be summoned and admonished for his remarks.

The diplomat was at the centre of a storm over remarks attributed to him which described MPs as "headless chickens" in the context of the Indo-US nuclear deal, but he has denied it and tendered an unqualified apology.

Conveying Government's displeasure, Parliamentary Affairs Minister P R Dasmunsi said  no one has the right to cast aspersions on Parliament and even on the media.

Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee said he had received privilege notices against Sen and assured the House that the principles of natural justice would be followed and that action will be taken.

"Let us wait, the Indian Parliament is not powerless. I assure you that action will be taken. ... Let procedures be followed. We have to follow principles of natural justice," he said.