Opposition MPs Suspended: Record-Breaking Parliament Standoff
Opposition MPs in India have faced a wave of suspensions from Parliament, with 49 members being suspended today, bringing the total number of suspensions this session to 141. The suspensions come after the MPs protested against a security breach in the Lok Sabha last week and demanded that the Union Home Minister address the issue. The Lok Sabha Speaker has maintained that security incidents fall under the purview of the secretariat and that the government cannot intervene. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the security breach as a "very serious" matter but has stated that there is no need for a debate on the issue. The suspensions have been met with criticism from the opposition, with Congress MP Jairam Ramesh alleging that a "complete purge" is being executed to pass bills without meaningful debate. The suspensions have also sparked protests from the suspended MPs themselves. The Speaker warned the MPs against bringing placards into the House and demanded action against those carrying a morphed picture of Prime Minister Modi. The Parliamentary Affairs Minister called for responsible behaviour from the opposition and stated that a high-level inquiry is ongoing.
NDA MPs in Rajya Sabha Express Support for Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar
Members of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, stood up and expressed their support for Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday. This came after Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee mimicked Dhankhar outside Parliament the previous day. Dhankhar, in response, stated that he would not tolerate any insult to Parliament or the post of vice president. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also called Dhankhar to express his pain over the incident.
Lok Sabha Secretariat Bars Suspended MPs from Parliament
In a separate development, the Lok Sabha Secretariat issued a circular on Tuesday barring its suspended MPs from entering the Parliament chamber, lobby, and galleries. The circular also stated that the suspended MPs would not be allowed to participate in parliamentary committee meetings or table any notices during their suspension period. Additionally, they would not be entitled to the daily allowance during this time.
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee Clarifies His Intentions
Kalyan Banerjee, the TMC MP at the centre of the controversy, clarified that his intention was never to hurt anyone. He questioned whether Dhankhar really behaves in the manner he was mimicking in the Rajya Sabha. Banerjee also mentioned that mimicry is an art and that even Prime Minister Modi had done it in the Lok Sabha between 2014 and 2019.
Advocate Files Complaint Against Banerjee
An advocate named Abhishek Gautam has filed a complaint against Kalyan Banerjee, alleging that the video in which Banerjee mimicked Dhankhar was made with the intention to insult and defame the vice president. Gautam demanded that an FIR be registered against Banerjee and others seen in the video under the appropriate sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the IT Act.
Dhankhar stands firm in his commitment to upholding constitutional values
Despite the insults and controversies, Dhankhar remains committed to upholding the principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution. He stated that the antics of a few individuals would not deter him from performing his duty. Dhankhar also criticised the actions of Rahul Gandhi, who was seen recording the video of Banerjee's performance, calling it ridiculous, shameful, and unacceptable.
Background on the Parliament Security Breach
The recent protests by the opposition demanding a discussion on the December 13 Parliament security breach serve as the backdrop to these incidents. The breach has sparked concerns about the safety and security of the Parliament complex. The opposition has been pushing for a thorough investigation and accountability for the breach.
Lok Sabha Agenda: Key Bills Amid the Parliament Standoff
• The BJP pushes through three criminal law amendment bills and the CEC Bill.
• Bills aim to replace the Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, and Indian Evidence Act with Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, Bharatiya Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.
• The Lok Sabha is set to pass the Telecommunications Bill, 2023, and the Chief Election Commissioner Bill, 2023.
(with inputs from agencies)
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