NEW DELHI: Nearly 100 opposition lawmakers in India have been barred from participating in parliamentary sessions after demanding a debate on last week’s protest, where a smoke canister was released within the legislative chamber. The suspended MPs include key opposition leaders from both houses of parliament.
The incident on December 13 witnessed heightened chaos when a protester jumped onto the floor of the lower house from an overhead visitors’ gallery. Official footage revealed the protester shouting slogans and traversing tables between surprised lawmakers before a smoke-emitting device was set off, enveloping the chamber in yellow smoke.
Following the protest, 14 MPs were initially barred from the chambers after demanding a statement from Interior Minister Amit Shah regarding the incident. On Monday, the number of suspended MPS increased, with at least 78 MPs facing sanctions—33 from the lower house and 45 from the upper house.
Indian PM Avoids Debate on Protest
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the incident in a rare interview with Dainik Jagran newspaper, described it as “very serious” and ordered a detailed investigation. However, he asserted that there was “no need” for a debate on the matter.
The protest occurred on the 22nd anniversary of a historic attack on the Indian Parliament when five gunmen shot and killed at least eight security personnel and a gardener. Opposition leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge of the Congress party, expressed concerns over the suspension, with Kharge stating, “First, intruders attacked Parliament. Then Modi Govt attacking Parliament & Democracy.”
Under Modi’s leadership, India has witnessed a decline in Freedom House’s rankings for political rights and civil liberties, marked by crackdowns on protests, generous funding for the ruling party from business allies, and curtailed press freedoms.
