Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi told journalists in Parliament House on the opening day of the budget session of Parliament that all those indulging in statements that disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of Parliament should be imprisoned for one year and their parties should be de-recognised by the Election Commission.
Azmi, was, along with Raj Thackeray of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, arrested and given bail for inciting violence in Maharashtra following Thackeray's comments against north Indians in Mumbai.
Azmi was reacting to a statement made by Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackery, who attacked Railway Minister Lalu Yadav for being part of a government that was being led by a foreign national. Thackeray also accused Lalu of defrauding the state exchequer of money that was meant for buying fodder for animals.
"Lalu should visit Mumbai and see what is going on there instead of making statements. I have done nothing. I only gave lathis to the migrant workers to defend themselves in case they are attacked; the same lathi that Bapu used to fight for independence. The Constitution provides citizens the right to protect themselves if attacked," Azmi said.
He also blamed the Union and the state governments for not being able to bring peace in Maharashtra and Mumbai in particular.
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