As the suspension of over 90 MPs from the Parliament during the ongoing Winter Session caused political upheaval, Opposition MPs continued to protest against the action and slammed the BJP-ruled Centre for wanting an “Opposition-less Parliament”.
When the suspended MPs were protesting at Parliament’s Makar Dwar, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee mimicked Rajya Sabha chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar in the presence of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who was also seen capturing the act.
#WATCH | TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee mimics Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar in Parliament premises pic.twitter.com/b835BUGRoR
— ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2023
The mockery act can be seen being enjoyed and laughed at by other Opposition leaders surrounding Kalyan Banerjee. The mimicry triggered Dhankhar to react, who slammed the Opposition MPs and called the act “shameful”.
#WATCH | TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee mimics Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar in Parliament premises pic.twitter.com/naabLIzibY
— ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2023
As the Rajya Sabha resumed, Dhankhar took note of the incident and said, “Office is Chairman, Rajya Sabha and Office of Speaker is very different. Political parties will have their cross currents, they will have exchanges, but imagine a senior leader videographing another member. Mimicry of the Chairman, mimicry of Speaker. How ridiculous, how shameful, how unacceptable.”
The BJP also rebuked the opposition MPs over the incident, calling it “new low in parliamentary democracy”.
“The Vice President of the country and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is insulted by Rahul Gandhi and members of the arrogant alliance in the Parliament House complex. Shameful,” the BJP posted on X along with a video of the mimicry.
The reason for the suspension of opposition MPs for the rest of the Winter Session was cited to be ‘misconduct’ and failure to adhere to the directions of the Chair.
The opposition MPs have been protesting outside the Parliament building since yesterday, following the suspension of 92 MPs of various opposition parties. Another 49 MPs have now been suspended, taking the suspended figure to a record 141.