NEW DELHI: In a latest development, three more Congress MPs namely DK Suresh, Nakul Nath, and Deepak Baij, faced suspension from the Lok Sabha on Thursday. Their suspension for the remainder of the Winter Session stemmed from their actions labeled as a "display of placards and entering into the Well of the House," showcasing what was termed as "utter disregard to the House."
As of Thursday's disciplinary action, the tally of suspended Lok Sabha MPs in the ongoing Winter Session has surged to 100. This count includes 13 MPs suspended on December 14, 33 on Monday, 49 on Tuesday, two on Wednesday, and an additional three on Thursday.
Simultaneously, the Rajya Sabha saw the suspension of 46 MPs— one on December 14 and 45 on Monday—during the Winter Session of 2023. In total, since December 14, a staggering 146 MPs have faced suspension from the Parliament.
In the wake of the latest suspensions, only 33 MPs from the Opposition INDIA bloc remain in the Lok Sabha. According to reports, the INDIA bloc, comprising 133 MPs in the Lower House, now has a diminished presence. Additionally, in the Rajya Sabha, where the INDIA bloc holds 95 seats, 46 members are currently suspended. Notably, AAP member Sanjay Singh faced suspension as a Rajya Sabha member on July 24, further reducing the INDIA bloc's representation in the Upper House to just 48 members.
The ongoing suspensions have significantly impacted the presence and influence of the Opposition within both houses of Parliament, raising concerns about the effective functioning of legislative proceedings.
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