New Delhi: The Lok Sabha witnessed brief but heated exchanges on Thursday after BJP MP Anurag Thakur alleged that a Trinamool Congress (TMC) member had been using an e-cigarette inside the House—a charge he said violated parliamentary decorum as well as national law.
Speaker Om Birla promptly intervened, clarifying that no such permission had been granted to any MP and assuring the House that “strict action” would follow if a written complaint was submitted and the allegation was verified.
The incident unfolded during Question Hour when Thakur rose to address what he described as a recurring breach of House rules. Redirecting attention away from the scheduled questions, he sought formal clarification from the Speaker.
“Sir, I have a question for the Sadan. E-cigarettes are banned across the country. Have you allowed them inside the House?” Thakur asked.
“No, no one is allowing it,” Speaker Birla responded.
Thakur pressed further: “Sir, have you checked it? Some of the TMC MPs are smoking it.”
Acknowledging the demand for disciplinary measures, Birla reiterated that parliamentary rules apply equally to all members. He urged MPs to uphold the dignity of the House and affirmed that a formal complaint would trigger a serious examination.
“I request all Members of Parliament to follow the rules and regulations of the Constitution. If any MP brings this matter to me, I will definitely take action,” the Speaker said.
Thakur’s allegation immediately prompted loud reactions from BJP MPs, many of whom stood up to demand action against the unnamed opposition member. The issue briefly disrupted proceedings, adding to the tense atmosphere already prevailing in the House.
Outside Parliament, the controversy continued to escalate. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari took to X, writing: “Is it the cigar-smoking TMC MP yet again? The MP should be punished under the COTPA Act, 2003. TMC must answer and be open to an investigation. This is disrespect to Parliament—the temple of democracy.”
He further accused the Opposition of remaining silent, saying it amounted to tacit approval.
Responding to reporters, TMC MP Dola Sen dismissed Thakur’s allegation outright.
“Leaders lying inside Parliament is unfortunate. He is not some ‘Guru-Thakur’ whose words we must accept simply because he says them,” she said.
The matter is expected to develop further if a formal complaint is lodged.
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