Over 30 Opposition MPs suspended amid protests in Lok Sabha over security breach

New Delhi: In response to the demand for Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement regarding the recent security breach in Parliament, over 30 Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) have been suspended from the Lok Sabha for the remainder of the Winter Session.

This suspension is a second round following the earlier action taken against 13 MPs for the same demand last week.

The suspended MPs include prominent figures like Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Congress's leader in Lok Sabha, and Gaurav Gogoi, the deputy leader of the party in the House. Additionally, Trinamool MPs Kalyan Banerjee, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Saugata Ray, and Satabdi Roy, and DMK members A Raja and Dayanidhi Maran, have also faced suspension.

The suspension decisions follow three other MPs who are pending a report from the Privileges Committee for raising slogans after climbing onto the Speaker's podium. In total, 46 Lok Sabha MPs have faced suspension, and last week, Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien was also suspended for demanding discussions on the security breach.

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury condemned the government's actions, accusing it of behaving dictatorially and treating Parliament as a political party's headquarters. He highlighted the Opposition's willingness to cooperate with the government since the session began.

"This government has reached the apex of dictatorship. They have the majority, and they are wielding the stick of power. They want to run Parliament like a party office. But that cannot happen. We were eager for a discussion. The productivity of Parliament before December 13 is for all to see. It seems they find it easier to talk to the media, but are scared to speak in Parliament," said Chowdhury.

Gaurav Gogoi criticised the government's approach, stating that the Home Minister avoids taking responsibility for the significant security breach. He affirmed their intent to continue protests outside the Lok Sabha.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge expressed concerns about an Opposition-less Parliament, suggesting that it could lead to the government's unopposed passage of important legislations without debate. He accused the government of "crushing dissent".

Earlier statements from Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticised the government for not acknowledging the Opposition's demand for the Home Minister's statement, emphasising the need for accountability amid the security breach.

The security breach, where intruders entered the Lok Sabha chamber, causing disruptions, was aimed at drawing attention to issues such as Manipur violence, unemployment, and farmers' problems. Six individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, with the Delhi Police invoking the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against them.

The Prime Minister, in his initial comments on the breach, highlighted its seriousness and called for a detailed investigation. However, the Lok Sabha Speaker maintained that the House's security falls under the secretariat's jurisdiction and stated opposition to government intervention.