In an unprecedented move, over 100 opposition MPs have been suspended from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha amid protests over the recent security breach in parliament. The suspensions have sparked outrage from opposition parties who have accused the government of stifling dissent.
Timeline of Events
The chaos began on December 13 when some opposition MPs staged protests in the Well of Lok Sabha demanding a discussion on the Adani issue. This led to adjournments on the first day of the winter session.
On December 15, two men breached security and entered the parliamentary premises. One of them went inside Lok Sabha. This huge security lapse led to massive protests by opposition MPs who demanded answers from the government.
With the opposition refusing to allow parliamentary proceedings, 33 MPs were suspended from Lok Sabha on December 16 for “gross misconduct” and “intentional disruption”. This was the highest number ever suspended in a day.
More suspensions followed in Rajya Sabha on December 19 with a record 45 MPs suspended for the remainder of the winter session for carrying placards and shouting slogans.
In total, over 100 opposition MPs have been suspended so far – the highest number ever.
Government Defends Move as Opposition Cries Foul
Defending the mass suspensions, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said they were necessary to ensure smooth functioning of the Houses. He accused the opposition of not allowing debate and discussion on important Bills.
However, the opposition has termed it “murder of democracy” and a tactic to bulldoze legislation in their absence. Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge said:
“This is pure dictatorship, they want to run Parliament unilaterally.”
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called the suspensions a “badge of honor” and said the opposition will continue to raise its voice:
“The more the suspensions, the more emboldened we feel to take on the Modi government.”
Impact on Opposition Numbers in Parliament
The suspensions have severely depleted the opposition benches.
In Lok Sabha, the opposition numbers are down by 81. And in Rajya Sabha, the opposition strength has more than halved from 115 to just 60 members.
| House | Total Strength | Ruling NDA MPs | Opposition MPs (Before Suspensions) | Opposition MPs (After Suspensions)
|-|-|-|-|-|
| Lok Sabha | 545 | 302 | 243 | 162 |
| Rajya Sabha | 245 | 115 | 115 | 60 |
This means the government can easily push through legislation and scrutiny with its huge majority.
What Next for Suspended MPs?
The suspended MPs cannot attend House proceedings or parliamentary panel meetings but can access other parliamentary facilities.
They have decided to protest daily in front of the Gandhi statue in parliament premises. The opposition is also mulling a boycott of the president’s address to the joint session of Parliament on January 23.
Meanwhile, there are demands for an impartial probe into the security breach. NCP chief Sharad Pawar has written to Rajya Sabha chairman seeking an independent investigation into the lapse and suspension of MPs.
As the deadlock continues, there seems to be no end in sight to the parliament logjam. The opposition has made it clear it will continue protests until the government agrees to a discussion.
With key Bills still pending, the impasse threatens to wash out the remainder of the important winter session making it the least productive in over two decades. All eyes are now on whether the two sides can reach a compromise amidst the escalating tensions.
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