File photo of Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Congress president Sonia Gandhi
Robert Vadra, the son-in-law of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, has been asked to explain comments on Facebook that were seen to be against the ruling BJP.
The Lok Sabha secretariat has given Mr Vadra seven days to explain after BJP MPs moved a privilege motion against the businessman for "attempting to malign the image of Parliament." Based on Mr Vadra's response, the Speaker may refer the matter to the privileges committee, said officials.
BJP lawmakers called for action against Mr Vadra for posting on Facebook: "Parliament begins and so do their petty diversion political tactics... People of India are not fooled. Regret to see India Led by such so called leaders !!"
Mr Vadra, who has been targeted by the BJP over controversial land deals that allegedly led to windfall gains for his company, wrote the post after disruptions in Parliament on the first day of the monsoon session on Tuesday last. As Congress and other opposition parties demanded the removal of BJP leaders caught in the Lalit Modi and Vyapam scandals, the ruling party lawmakers hit back with references to Mr Vadra.
A privilege motion moved by Arjun Ram Meghwal, the BJP's chief whip in the Lok Sabha, alleged that Mr Vadra's Facebook post amounted to "contempt" and a "clear cut case of breach of privilege" and should be referred to the privileges committee for "appropriate decision."
Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi, asked about the notice to Mr Vadra, said: "These are issues that need to be answered by the individual against whom such a notice is issued. I have no doubt that as and when it is received, it will be adequately replied keeping in mind the dignity of the House."