Lok Sabha accepts resignations of Fernandes, seven others

NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha on Thusrday accepted resignations of eight members, including former Defence Minister and JD(U) leader George Fernandes who had quit in protest against the recent attacks on North Indians in Mumbai.
    
In addition to Fernandes, the other members of the Janata Dal (United) who relinquished their Lok Sabha seats were Prabhunath Singh, Rajiv Ranjan Singh 'Lalan', Kailash Baitha and Meena Singh.
    
All the JD(U) members had resigned from the Lok Sabha in protest against attacks on North Indians in Mumbai.
    
The others whose resignations were accepted by Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee were Hari Rama Jogaiah (Congress),
Vishvendra Singh and Brijbushan Sharan Singh (both BJP).
    
Jogaiah, a member from Andhra Pradesh, quit Congress to join Praja Rajayam, a new party floated by popular Telgu filmstar Chiranjeevi.
    
While Vishvendra Singh of BJP left the party to join Congress, Brijbhushan Sharan Singh was expelled from the BJP for defying party line and voting with the Congress at the July 22 confidence motion of the UPA government in the Lok Sabha.