In the aftermath of the largest single-day expulsion of 78 Members of Parliament (MPs) from both Houses of India’s Parliament, along with the earlier removal of 13 members, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal expressed his concern on Tuesday, stating that the “mother of democracy has been orphaned.”
The suspension of the MPs occurred during a heated confrontation in both Houses, involving Chairs, members from the Treasury, and the Opposition. The disruption was related to the Parliament security breach, and the 78 members were suspended for causing a disturbance and obstructing proceedings while demanding a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the December 13 incident.
Kapil Sibal, urging citizens to play a role in ensuring the “survival of democracy,” took to his official platform on X, posting, “Mother of Democracy has orphaned it! The people of India must take care and ensure its survival.”
With the suspension of 78 MPs on Monday, the total number of legislators suspended from both Houses for “misconduct” and non-compliance with the Chairs’ directions reached 92. The motion for suspension was introduced by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, who argued that the members had been violating rules.
Earlier, 13 members had been suspended for displaying placards and violating Chair directives. Additionally, Rajya Sabha witnessed the suspension of TMC MP Derek O’Brien, bringing the total number of suspended Rajya Sabha MPs to 46, including Derek O’Brien on December 14.
Meanwhile, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the central government for the MPs’ suspension, expressing concern about the potential consequences. He highlighted the risk of an Opposition-less Parliament allowing the Modi Government to push through crucial legislation without debate.
Kharge outlined two primary demands: a statement from the Union Home Minister in both Houses on the breach in Parliament security and a detailed discussion on the same.
The security breach occurred on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack. Two individuals infiltrated the Lok Sabha chamber, releasing gas and shouting anti-establishment slogans before being subdued. In a separate incident outside Parliament, two protesters were taken into custody by the Delhi Police Special Cell for a similar demonstration with gas canisters.
