The protesting parliamentarians were asking for an apology from the Chairman of the House, Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Dhahrani, who had turned down their request to quiz the Minister for Cabinet Affairs, Shaikh Ahmed bin Atiyatallah Al Khalifa.
Dhahrani had, however, granted a request to investigate complaints against the Minister for Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, Mansour bin Hassan Rajab.
The first 10 minutes of the stormy session were broadcast live on radio and the Tribune has learnt that the melee was recorded by some on cellphones and the clip was spread to many via Bluetooth.
Al Dhahrani’s decision, the Wefaq MPs claimed, was based on the advice given by a Chamber adviser. This led to a slinging match between the two parties and some unprintable words were exchanged. Members of different blocs questioned the Al Wefaq move that was followed by some angry scenes.
Al Asala MP Khamees Ahmed Al Romaihi said the questioning of Atiyatallah was unconstitutional since the matter was subjudice.
Some Wefaq members said “the situation has gone out of our hands now and that it would be decided outside in Religious Council.”
