Three more Lok Sabha Opposition MPs suspended, total reaches unprecedented 146
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New Delhi: The tumultuous scene in the Lok Sabha escalated further as three more Opposition Members of Parliament faced suspension, marking an unprecedented total of 146 MPs being sidelined due to unruly conduct.
Among those suspended were Congress MPs Deepak Baij, DK Suresh, and Nakul Nath, the son of veteran leader Kamal Nath.
The recent wave of suspensions intensified earlier in the week when the Opposition demanded a response from the Union Home Minister concerning a security breach in the Lok Sabha. The breach involved individuals smuggling smoke bombs into the House and detonating them during proceedings, sparking chaos.
The standoff between the government and the Opposition has intensified, exacerbated by various incidents, including the mimicry of Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar by a Trinamool Congress MP. This series of events has fueled accusations from the Opposition, alleging that the suspension of MPs is a strategic move by the government to pass crucial bills without deliberation.
With the Opposition's strength significantly diminished, the Lok Sabha recently approved three bills aimed at revamping criminal laws with minimal discussion, drawing criticism and condemnation from the Opposition, branding it a "disgrace."
In response to their suspension, the MPs staged a protest march from the Parliament building to Vijay Chowk in Delhi, condemning the government's actions as an assault on parliamentary democracy.
Shashi Tharoor, himself suspended, expressed dissatisfaction with the government's conduct, particularly citing Union Home Minister Amit Shah's absence from the House following a significant security breach. Tharoor criticised Shah's decision to address the matter through press statements instead of appearing in the House as expected.
"The government's actions were unacceptable. They exhibited a disregard for parliamentary norms. When Parliamentarians requested the Home Minister's presence for discussions, they were met with suspensions," stated Tharoor, highlighting the government's failure to uphold democratic principles within Parliament.