Unprecedented Suspension of 78 MPs Sparks Slugfest Over 'Opposition-Mukt Parliament' — Top Points

78 opposition MPs faced suspension from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on Monday, marking the highest number of such suspensions in a single day. The move ensued fresh slugfest with the BJP.

Suspended Opposition MPs protest during the Winter session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Monday, Dec. 18, 2023.

Source : PTI

In an unprecedented move, 78 opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) faced suspension from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on Monday, marking the highest number of such suspensions in a single day. The development has triggered strong reactions from the Congress and other opposition parties, accusing the Narendra Modi-led Union government of attempting to push through crucial legislation in an "Opposition-less" Parliament.

Here are the key developments:

• Suspension After Protest Over Parliament Security Breach: The suspension came after Opposition MPs continued to disrupt proceedings, demanding a statement and resignation from Home Minister Shah regarding the breach in Parliament security on December 13. Placards and protests led to Speaker Om Birla and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi appealing to MPs to cooperate.
  
  In the December 13 incident, two protesters had breached security, leading to disruptions in parliamentary proceedings.
  
  
• Total Number of Suspended MPs: Monday's action brings the total number of opposition MPs suspended since last Thursday to 92. The unprecedented move follows Thursday's suspension of 13 MPs from the Lok Sabha for the remainder of the Winter Session.
  
  In the Lok Sabha, 33 members, including Congress and DMK floor leaders, were suspended for unruly behavior while demanding a statement from Home Minister Shah. While 30 members face suspension for the remainder of the Winter Session, three members await the Privileges Committee's report.
  
  In the Rajya Sabha, 34 MPs received suspension for the remainder of the Winter Session, and 11 face suspension pending an inquiry report on their conduct by the Committee of Privileges.
  
  
• BJP's Defence: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi defended the action, stating that the suspension was necessary as the opposition MPs "insulted" the Lok Sabha Speaker and Rajya Sabha Chairman. He accused the Congress and its allies of hindering the government's efforts to empower backward classes and women, news agency PTI reported.
  
  Union Minister Piyush Goyal asserted that the opposition's disruptive strategy appeared to be "preplanned" to hinder parliamentary proceedings. 
  
  
• Congress Reaction: The suspension sparked a political war of words, with opposition members terming it a "murder of democracy." Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused the government of trying to pass crucial legislation without debate. He also alleged that the government aims for an "Opposition-less" Parliament to pass bills without debate. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh called it a "bloodbath in the Rajya Sabha."  
  
  
  
  
• 'Badge Of Honour': RJD MP Manoj Jha criticised the government, asserting that in the current "dark phase" of democracy, being suspended is a "badge of honour". He questioned the rationale behind the suspension, emphasising, "In today's dark period of democracy, suspension is a badge of honour. What for? Because we are asking for an official statement (from the home minister)? he asked. Congratulations to Modi ji on an opposition-mukt Parliament", as quoted by PTI.
  
  
  
  
  
• Demand For Action Against BJP MP Pratap Simha: TMC MP Sougata Ray, also facing suspension, condemned the move as undemocratic, expressing his protest against the decision. "This shouldn't have been done. We were demanding the suspension of BJP MP (Pratap Simha), but they instead suspended us," he told PTI.
  
  
  
  The Opposition members highlighted the apparent discrepancy, noting that their members were suspended for raising concerns, while no action was taken against Simha, who facilitated the entry of two individuals carrying smoke cannisters into Parliament, PTI reported.
  
  
• Opposition MPs, suspended from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, protested inside Parliament premises.
  
  

The mass suspension is termed "unprecedented" by parliamentary watchers, noting that it might be the first time in the history of Parliament, PTI reported.