Opposition Slams Government For Suspending MPs Over Parliament Security Breach

The Opposition strongly criticized the BJP-led government at the Centre for suspending 15 Opposition MPs, comprising 14 from the Lok Sabha and one from the Rajya Sabha. The suspension followed their demand for a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the security breach that occurred in the Parliament on Wednesday. Among the suspended MPs is DMK's Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, who accused the government of inconsistency in dealing with the matter.

Kanimozhi specifically pointed out the contrasting treatment of BJP MP Pratap Simha and Mahua Moitra. Simha's office allegedly facilitated the entry of intruders into the Lok Sabha by providing access passes. However, no action was taken against him, while Mahua Moitra was swiftly expelled "without even the inquiry being complete." Kanimozhi emphasized the Opposition's simple request for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to address the Parliament on the issue, questioning the democratic nature of such actions.

JDU MP Rajiv Ranjan Singh expressed the view that the government's decision to suspend MPs was an attempt to conceal its failures and intimidate the Opposition. Kanimozhi echoed this sentiment, stating that the government wanted to suppress the Opposition's voice by resorting to suspensions.

In response to the situation, Congress MP Kapil Sibal suggested that if the government didn't desire opposition, it should suspend all MPs. He emphasized the demand for the Home Minister to address the situation, ensure public safety, and take action against those responsible for the security breach.

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram accused the government of attempting to stifle the Opposition's voice by suspending around 15 MPs for the remainder of the Winter Session. He reiterated the demand for either the Prime Minister or Home Minister to provide a clear and categorical statement about the events that unfolded during the security breach and outline the corrective measures for the future.

The security breach involved two individuals jumping into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors' gallery on Wednesday, creating chaos before being subdued by MPs. The Opposition has been persistent in seeking a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the security lapse. Amid the parliamentary ruckus, the Lok Sabha Speaker suspended 14 Opposition MPs for the remainder of the Winter Session, citing unruly conduct. Additionally, TMC MP Derek O'Brien faced suspension from the Rajya Sabha. In connection with the security scare, the Delhi Police have arrested four individuals.