Not much discretion left for the Speaker once the privilege motion is found in order, says M Veerappa Moily

It seemed like the Congress MPs were pressing the point by waving the rule-book at her?

Yes, because she did not want to hear us, or the rules. As per rules, she has to allow me to speak… thereafter it has to be referred to the Privilege Committee. It can be rejected on the spot, but otherwise it has to go to the committee. She said it was under her consideration… it cannot be like that.

The BJP says the PM is free to make a political speech at a poll rally?

The BJP should not forget that he is the PM… and the Defence Minister has already made a statement on the case in Parliament. The fact is there is no such allegation against any UPA minister or UPA government or anyone… and no findings by the court in Milan, too. But he (Modi) said that the Milan court had said it… such a statement contrary to facts cannot be given.

But isn’t it normal in election rallies to score political points against opponents?

There is no evidence against Sonia Gandhi and the UPA… the judge in the Milan court said as much. No one can enjoy immunity just to cash in on a political advantage. There are precedents on the matter. Modi clearly said the Milan court had indicated that she has been named, which is not correct… there is no evidence.

The session is ending. What will happen to your privilege motion?

That is fine. We may have our strategy. The point is, the PM does not enjoy immunity from a privilege motion.