The controversial cartoon on Dr. B.R Ambedkar has been withdrawn from the NCERT text book of Class XI. Human Resources Development Minister Kapil Sibal told both houses of Parliament that the distribution of the book has also been put on hold. He said, a committee has been set up to review the entire content of the text books. Both houses had witnessed repeated adjournments today on the issue.

The Lok sabha was adjourned thrice, first till 12 noon, then till 2 pm and finally for the day. The Rajya sabha also witnessed three adjournments on the same issue in the pre lunch session, first till 11.57, then till 12 noon and till 2.30 pm. The issue was raised in both houses during the question hour.

In the Lok sabha Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) Member, Thirumavalavan showed copies of the cartoon to the members of the house including RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, who in turn showed it to Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee. Members cutting across party lines rose to their feet expressing resentment and the Chair allowed Thirumavalavan to speak on the issue.

Mr. Thirumavalavan said the cartoon in the NCERT text book was an insult to the Architect of the Indian Constitution, DR. B.R Ambedkar. Intervening on the issue, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said the work of the Indian constitution could not have been completed without the yeomen services rendered by Dr. Ambedkar. However the uproar in the house continued demanding an immediate reply from HRD minister Kapil Sibal leading to the adjournment of the house till 12 noon.

The situation was no different when the house reassembled with members of the BSP, SP, AIADMK, BJP and others trooping into the well leading to its adjournment till 2 pm. When the house reassembled, the uproar in the house continued even as the HRD Minister Kapil stated that the cartoon has been withdrawn.

However the din continued forcing the Chair to finally adjourn the house for the day. In the Rajya Sabha, the issue was raised by Brajesh Pathak of the BSP supported by members from other parties. The house has since, taken up private members legislative business immediately after HRD Minister Kapil Sibal's reply on the cartoon issue.
Meanwhile, NCERT text book advisors Yogendra Yadav and Suhas Palashikar have resigned in the wake of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar cartoon row.