In a dramatic turn of events, forty-nine Lok Sabha MPs, including prominent leaders such as Farooq Abdullah, Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari, Karti Chidambaram, and Supriya Sule, faced suspension for disrupting House proceedings on Tuesday. This adds to the growing count, reaching a total of 141 MPs suspended in the ongoing Winter session—95 from Lok Sabha and 46 from Rajya Sabha.
Adjournment Amidst Persistent Protests
Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed adjournments until 2 pm as Opposition MPs persisted in their protests over suspensions. The Opposition demanded a statement from Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the recent security breach in Parliament. Displaying placards and chanting slogans, they called for the Prime Minister’s attendance and the resignation of the Home Minister.
PM Modi’s Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing BJP MPs at the parliamentary party meeting, criticized the protesting MPs. He emphasized that certain individuals are not destined for constructive work and warned that if their disruptive actions continue, they might not return to Lok Sabha, even with the current strength.
Reactions to the Suspensions
Congress MP Manish Tewari Decries Delegitimization: After the suspension of 49 more MPs from Lok Sabha, Congress MP Manish Tewari expressed concern, stating that Parliament has been “totally delegitimized.” He raised apprehensions about framing draconian laws, foreseeing potential adverse consequences for the country’s democratic fabric.
AAP MP Sushil Kumar Rinku Criticizes Dirty Politics: Aam Aadmi Party’s Lok Sabha MP Sushil Kumar Rinku criticized the proceedings, highlighting the suspension of MPs raising genuine concerns while those contributing to a security breach remained unaffected. He emphasized that the public is witnessing a form of dirty politics within the Parliament.
Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury Slams BJP’s Approach: Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury termed the situation as anarchy within Parliament, asserting that the BJP lacks faith in the parliamentary system. He criticized the mass suspensions, depicting them as a deliberate attempt to create an Opposition-free Lok Sabha.
BSP MP Danish Ali Questions Suspension Criteria: Bahujan Samaj Party’s Danish Ali questioned the suspension criteria, highlighting the perceived inconsistency in handling parliamentary decorum violations. He criticized the lack of action against BJP members involved in the security breach and pondered the government’s stance on questioning.
Shashi Tharoor on Government’s Intentions: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed concern over the apparent desire for an “Opposition-mukt Lok Sabha.” He suggested that the government might replicate similar actions in Rajya Sabha. Tharoor lamented what he sees as a betrayal of parliamentary democracy, with attempts to pass bills without meaningful discussions.
As the Winter Session unfolds, the escalating suspensions raise questions about the dynamics within Parliament and the future of constructive debates. The political landscape remains charged with accusations and counter-accusations, further straining the already tense relationship between the ruling party and the Opposition.