A major controversy has erupted in the corridors of power after a video surfaced showing Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament Kirti Azad allegedly vaping inside the Parliament premises. The video was shared by Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) national IT cell head, Amit Malviya, on December 17, 2024, leading to a fierce political debate.
The Viral Video and Immediate Backlash
The video clip, which quickly went viral on social media platforms, purportedly shows Kirti Azad, the MP from Bardhaman-Durgapur, inhaling from a vaping device while seated inside what appears to be a room in the Parliament complex. Sharing the video, Amit Malviya wrote a sharp critique, questioning the audacity of the act. He highlighted the strict rules that govern conduct within Parliament, which traditionally prohibit smoking in its chambers and committee rooms.
The posting of the video by a senior BJP figure like Malviya has turned the incident into a direct political confrontation. It has ignited discussions not just about health and rules, but also about the decorum expected from elected representatives in the nation's highest legislative forum. The TMC has not issued an official statement addressing the specific video at the time of this reporting.
Parliamentary Rules and Precedents
The incident brings into sharp focus the regulations that govern the Parliament estate. Smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes or vaping devices, is largely prohibited in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha chambers, lobbies, and committee rooms to maintain a healthy environment and uphold the dignity of the institution. Previous instances of MPs facing criticism for smoking in restricted areas have often led to reminders being issued by the presiding officers.
This event involving Kirti Azad is particularly notable because it was captured on video and publicly amplified by the opposing political party. It raises questions about the enforcement of parliamentary rules and the potential consequences for such violations. Experts on parliamentary affairs suggest that the matter could be raised in the House, potentially leading to a notice for breach of privilege or a statement from the Speaker.
Political Repercussions and Public Discourse
The fallout from the viral video extends beyond a simple rule violation. The BJP, through Malviya's post, has framed the incident as an example of disregard for parliamentary norms and propriety by an opposition MP. This forms part of the ongoing political tussle between the ruling BJP and the opposition TMC, especially in the context of West Bengal politics.
On social media, the public reaction has been divided. While many users condemned the act as irresponsible and against rules, others questioned the timing and the selective highlighting of such incidents. The debate has also touched upon the broader issue of vaping and its health implications, even as the central point remains the location of the act.
As the story develops, all eyes are on whether the Parliament Secretariat will take suo motu cognizance of the matter or if it will be raised formally when the House reconvenes. The incident serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny faced by public figures and how their actions, even in seemingly private moments within Parliament, can become a national talking point with significant political undertones.
