Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — In a highly unprecedented twist of events, a total of 78 Members of Parliament, comprising both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members, found themselves suspended today due to their fervent protests demanding a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the recent security breach in Parliament. This marks a significant escalation, with a cumulative total of 92 MPs suspended in the ongoing session.
Within Lok Sabha, 30 MPs were handed down suspensions for the remainder of the session, while three others face suspension until the privileges committee submits a report on their conduct. Simultaneously, in Rajya Sabha, 35 members were suspended for the rest of the session, and 11 face suspension until a report by the privileges panel is presented.
Key figures among the suspended MPs from Lok Sabha include Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Congress’s leader in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, deputy leader of the party in the House, and Trinamool MPs Kalyan Banerjee, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Saugata Ray, and Satabdi Roy. In Rajya Sabha, suspended members include Congress’s Jairam Ramesh and Randeep Singh Surjewala, DMK’s Kanimozhi, and RJD’s Manoj Kumar Jha.
Addressing the media, Chowdhury accused the government of adopting a dictatorial stance, contending that Parliament is being treated like the BJP headquarters. He underscored the Opposition’s willingness to cooperate with the government throughout the session, expressing disappointment over the absence of meaningful dialogue.
Gaurav Gogoi echoed these sentiments, accusing the BJP government of steamrolling the Opposition and alleging that Home Minister Amit Shah is evading responsibility for the security breach. The suspended MPs announced their intention to persist with protests outside Lok Sabha.
Amidst the tumult in Rajya Sabha, Vice-President and Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed concern over members deliberately ignoring the bench, leading to disruptions in house proceedings.
The Opposition’s demand for a statement from the Home Minister stems from the government’s refusal to address their concerns about the security breach, as highlighted by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh. In a post, Ramesh argued that the Home Minister’s statement is a legitimate demand, emphasizing the government’s duty and responsibility.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his initial comments on the security breach, acknowledged its gravity, stating that there is “no need to debate” and calling for a detailed investigation. However, the Opposition remains steadfast in their insistence on a statement from the Home Minister.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has reiterated that the responsibility for security within the House falls under the secretariat’s purview, signaling opposition to the Centre’s intervention.
The security breach, marked by shocking scenes in the Lok Sabha chamber last week, saw two intruders deploying coloured smoke canisters and jumping from desk to desk. The intruders stated that their objective was to draw attention to issues such as Manipur violence, unemployment, and farmers’ problems. A total of six individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, with Delhi Police invoking the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against the trespassers.
