Storm in Lok Sabha as BJP MP walks in with alleged bribe money

New Delhi, Jul 22 (PTI) A shocked Lok Sabha Tuesday witnessed unprecedented drama when a BJP member walked in the middle of the House flashing wads of currency notes which he claimed was given by a Samajwadi Party leader as bribe forabsenting himself from the trust vote.

Opening a black leather bag in the midst of the debate on the confidence motion, Ashok Argal, Bharatiya Janata Party M.P. from Morena, surrounded by his party colleagues, displayed bundles of currency notes saying Rs one crore was given to him by an Samajwadi Party leader as "advance" forabstaining from today's trust vote.

As the members raised the issue, the House was surcharged with members from both sides trading charges and crowding in the well. The opposition members shouted "shame, shame" and "chor hai, chor hai" (thieves, thieves) against thegovernment accusing it of indulging in horse trading.

In the midst of the flutter, Deputy Speaker Charanjit Atwal adjourned proceedings hurriedly. The Speaker entered he chamber later to adjourn again while the Deputy Speakerdeferred proceedings for a third time for an hour till 6 PM.

Even after the adjournment, there was palpable tension in the House with members from rival sides shouting at eachothers.

Besides Argal, two more B.J.P. members -- Mahavir Bhagora and Fagan Singh Kulste-- alleged that money wasoffered to them.

Looking at the press gallery, the B.J.P. members alleged that an SP leader promised three of them Rs three crore each, of which Rs one crore was paid in advance. PTI