Mayawati Calls Suspension of MPs as a ‘Unfortunate Incident in Parliamentary History’

BSP chief Mayawati expressed her concern and disappointment at a press conference in Lucknow on Thursday regarding the suspension of around 150 opposition MPs in both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. Describing the incident as sad and unfortunate in Parliamentary history, Mayawati emphasized that such a move is detrimental to the government and opposition alike.

“Our party believes that the suspension of about 150 opposition MPs in both Houses during the current session of Parliament is neither good work nor a good record for the government or the opposition. No matter who is responsible for this, this is a sad and unfortunate incident in Parliamentary history that will also shake the trust of the people,” said Mayawati.

A total of 143 MPs, comprising 97 from Lok Sabha and 46 from Rajya Sabha, have been suspended for creating chaos and disrupting proceedings, demanding a statement from Union Minister Amit Shah regarding the Parliament security breach incident.

Mayawati also criticized the conduct of the suspended MPs, particularly referencing a viral video showing Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee mimicking Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar during the protest at Parliament’s Makar Dwar. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was seen filming the incident on his phone.

Addressing the broader issue of maintaining democratic parliamentary traditions, Mayawati stressed the importance of avoiding strong differences, tension, and confrontation between the government and the opposition. She urged all parties to fulfill the responsibility of preserving parliamentary traditions collectively.

Mayawati also addressed the Parliament security breach incident, describing it as a serious concern. She called for a thorough investigation and strict legal action against those found guilty of conspiring in the breach. Mayawati emphasized the need for heightened security measures and urged the intelligence department to remain vigilant to prevent such incidents in the future.

The security breach occurred on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack when two individuals, Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D, jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber, releasing yellow gas and shouting anti-establishment slogans. In another incident, two protestors, Neelam and Amol, demonstrated outside the Parliament with similar gas canisters. All four individuals, facing charges under the anti-terror law, were sent to seven-day custody of the Delhi Police Special Cell on December 14. Additionally, a software engineer from Karnataka, identified as Saikrishna, has been detained for questioning in connection with the security breach case.