Pralhad Joshi explains suspension of 13 MPs, citing breach of new Parliament regulation

Parliament Winter Session: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi provided clarity on the suspension of 13 opposition MPs during the ongoing Winter Session in the Lok Sabha, clarifying that the suspension count was 13, not 14, due to a mistaken identity. The suspension followed a breach where placards were brought into the new Parliament, violating established regulations against displaying placards.

The violation occurred despite a unanimous decision during the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting that placards would not be permitted in the new Parliament building.

Joshi stated that one MP's suspension was an error due to mistaken identity and was subsequently revoked. The suspended MPs, known for their alleged unruly behavior, included Benny Behanan, VK Sreekandan, Mohammad Jawed, PR Natarajan, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, K Subbarayan, SR Parthiban, S Venkatesan, Manickam Tagore, Dean Kuriakose, Hibi Eden, TN Prathapan, Jothimani Sennimalai, and Ramya Haridas. Additionally, TMC MP Derek O'Brien faced suspension in the Rajya Sabha over similar charges.

Opposition leaders criticized the government's action, with DMK's MK Stalin denouncing it as undemocratic and detrimental to parliamentary democracy. TMC's Sukhendu Sekhar Roy highlighted the government's lack of response to security concerns raised in the Parliament, while Congress MP Jairam Ramesh criticised the government's approach as dictatorial.

Amidst this, two individuals created chaos by using smoke canisters inside the Lok Sabha chamber. The Delhi Police arrested these individuals and two others, who were later remanded for 7 days.