The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has ignited a fresh political controversy by publicly accusing Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament Kirti Azad of using an electronic cigarette, or vaping, inside the Lok Sabha during an ongoing session. The party has demanded immediate action against the MP for what it terms a serious breach of parliamentary conduct and national law.
The Allegation and Social Media Outcry
On Wednesday, the BJP's Information Technology cell chief, Amit Malviya, took to social media platform X to share a video clip purportedly from inside the Lower House. In his post, Malviya identified the MP in question as Kirti Azad and condemned the act. "For people like him, rules and laws clearly hold no meaning," Malviya wrote. He described the alleged act as having the "audacity" to hide an e-cigarette in his palm while the House was in session. Malviya further called on TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to clarify her stance on her party MP's conduct.
Formal Complaint Lodged with the Speaker
This social media accusation followed a formal written complaint submitted by BJP MP and former Union Minister Anurag Thakur to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla a few days prior. Thakur, who represents the Hamirpur constituency, had initially raised the issue during the Lok Sabha proceedings on Thursday without naming the alleged offender. He later submitted a detailed complaint.
In his letter, Thakur stated, "A Member of Parliament belonging to the All India Trinamool Congress was seen openly using an electronic cigarette while seated in the House during the sittings." He emphasized that the act was "clearly visible" to several members present. Thakur termed it a grave violation of parliamentary rules and statutory provisions, reminding the Speaker that the use of e-cigarettes is prohibited under a specific law.
Legal Implications and Potential Action
The complaint hinges on the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act of 2019. This legislation completely bans the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement of e-cigarettes across India. By alleging that an MP was using such a device within Parliament, the BJP has framed the incident not just as a breach of decorum but as a potential legal violation.
According to sources within the Lok Sabha Secretariat, the matter is being treated with seriousness. The authorities are examining the recordings of the parliamentary proceedings to verify the claims. Appropriate action, in line with established parliamentary norms, is expected to be initiated based on the findings of this examination.
The incident has set the stage for a new flashpoint between the ruling BJP and the opposition TMC, with the sanctity and rules of Parliament conduct at the center of the debate. The Speaker's office is now tasked with investigating the claim and deciding on a course of action that upholds the dignity of the House.
