NEW DELHI: A crucial BJP Parliamentary Party meeting commenced today in New Delhi, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the session. This routine gathering, involving all BJP members from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, typically convenes weekly during sessions. However, today's meeting holds particular significance as it coincides with the planned assembly of opposition allies under the INDIA bloc later in the day.
This session follows the suspension of 78 opposition MPs during Monday's proceedings in the ongoing 'Winter Session'. These suspensions came after disruptions and chaos in both Houses, with the opposition pushing for a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the recent Parliament security breach incident. The collective suspension of 78 MPs, combined with the earlier removal of 13 members, marks the largest such disciplinary action in Indian Parliamentary history.
Simultaneously, leaders from the INDIA bloc are scheduled to convene at 10 am in the chamber of the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge.
Joining Prime Minister Modi at the BJP Parliamentary Party meeting are prominent party figures, including national president JP Nadda and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Monday's suspensions affected a total of 78 MPs—33 from the Lok Sabha and 45 from the Rajya Sabha. Among these, 34 Rajya Sabha opposition MPs, including notable figures like Congress' Jairam Ramesh, KC Venugopal, and Randeep Singh Surjewala, faced suspension for the remainder of the 'Winter Session'. Additionally, 11 others faced reference to the Privileges Committee due to their 'misconduct', with the committee tasked to submit a report within three months.
The suspension rationale was attributed to 'misconduct' and non-compliance with the Chair's directives. Sources suggest that MPs from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, who weren't suspended, might consider 'boycotting' their respective Houses in response.
Reacting strongly to the suspensions, opposition MPs criticized the BJP-led government, denouncing it as 'autocratic'. Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the move, accusing the Modi government of disregarding democratic norms and warned of potential ramifications in the absence of a robust opposition in Parliament. The opposition's primary demands remain centered on obtaining a statement from Amit Shah regarding the security breach and initiating discussions in both Houses.
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