Pralhad Joshi accuses opposition MPs of “insulting” PM Modi, says they are frustrated over loss in assembly polls

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi criticized opposition members on Tuesday for creating chaos in the Lok Sabha, attributing their behavior to frustration over the outcomes of recent assembly polls and accusing them of disrespecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Amidst loud protests from the opposition, who were suspended from the House on Monday for the rest of the winter session, Joshi stated that the people had taught the opposition a lesson in the recent assembly polls.

Joshi highlighted the disappointment on the faces of opposition members and condemned their act of wearing masks as an insult to the Prime Minister. He called for action against such behavior and shared a video of his remarks in the Lok Sabha on social media.

The BJP emerged victorious in three out of the five states that held elections in November. During his address in the House, Joshi also alleged that opposition members had presented a “morphed photo” of PM Modi, a claim he strongly condemned.

Following the suspension of 33 members on Monday, including prominent figures like Farooq Abdullah, Supriya Sule, and Shashi Tharoor, an additional 49 opposition MPs were suspended from Lok Sabha for the remainder of the winter session. This action came after continued disruptions, with opposition members demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the Parliament security breach on December 13.

With the latest suspensions, the total number of opposition parliamentarians suspended from both Houses has reached 141, and those barred from entering Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha chambers until the conclusion of the winter session stands at 92. The winter session is scheduled to conclude on December 22. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal brought the motion to suspend the members, and BJP MP Rajendra Agrawal, who was in the chair, facilitated the government’s motion for the suspension of MPs. A total of 78 MPs, 33 from Lok Sabha and 45 from Rajya Sabha, were suspended on Monday due to disruptions over the opposition’s demand for a statement from Amit Shah on the Parliament security breach incident.