New Delhi: A war of words erupted in the Lok Sabha between Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani and opposition leaders as some MPs objected to her referring to a woman MP as "lady" during Question Hour.
The Minister said it was ironic that two men were telling her "how to address a lady".
During Question Hour, YSRCP's Geeta Vishwanath Wanga asked a question regarding the mental health of children who participate in TV reality shows. The Minister in her reply said her Ministry has engaged with NIMHANS to start a programme for giving mental health facilities to children.
As the Minister finished her reply, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said the Minister should refer to the MP as "honourable member" and not as "lady" as Irani said at one point in her reply. TMC MP Saugata Roy echoed him and said the Minister should refer to the MP as "honourable lady member".
"I do not understand the umbrage that the honourable leader has taken to my position," Irani said.
"It is quite ironic that two men stand here to tell me how to address a lady, allow me to finish, when I address an honourable member in this House through the Chair there is a constitutional presumption that I do so to a MP," she said.
As opposition members continued to interrupt, the Minister said: "That you would not presume her to be a MP though she is duly seated here is your position."
The Minister was asked whether the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has framed guidelines to regulate participation of children in TV serials, reality shows and advertisements.
Irani said the guidelines are available on NCPCR's website and on the website of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. (UNI)