The videotape controversy involving Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati rocked the Lok Sabha for the second day on Wednesday.
Samajwadi Party members were on their feet during Zero Hour protesting against Mayawati's reported statement that MPs and legislators should give a 'cut' to her from their constituency development funds.
Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani said he had talked to the chief minister and she had written a letter to him explaining her stand.
Since allegations had also been levelled against the Samajwadi Party, Advani did not think it proper to discuss the issue in Parliament. He said the matter should be confined to the UP assembly.
The deputy prime minister reminded the House that a no-confidence motion was likely to be taken up in the UP assembly.
Quoting Mayawati that the tape was recorded in February 2001, Advani said he would send her letter to Speaker Manohar Joshi and ask him if a statement could be made on that basis.
When Congress Chief Whip Priyaranjan Dasmunsi insisted that the letter be tabled, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee intervened. He said everything need not be tabled and certain things had to be kept in mind.
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