'Set new record of lowering dignity': Anurag Thakur alleges TMC MP smoking inside House for days

During the Question Hour at the Parliament on Thursday, BJP MP Anurag Thakur asked the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla if e-cigarettes, which are banned in the country, have been allowed in the House, alleging, "The TMC member has been constantly smoking in the House for the past several days."

Though Thakur did not name the TMC MP, several of the ruling party members demanded strict action against the opposition MP alleging this act has set a new record of lowering the dignity of Parliament with his conduct.

BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla hit out at the TMC, questioning, "What action will the TMC take against this erring Member of Parliament who has set a new 'kirti', a new record, of lowering the dignity of the House and the Constitution?"

"The TMC should give a clear reply to this," Poonawalla added.

The BJP also asked the TMC leadership whether any action will be taken or will it wait for Lok Sabha Speaker to act against him.

Amid the chaos, Birla urged the members to maintain the dignity of the House and said he would take action if a written complaint was lodged.

Reacting to the controversy, TMC MP Saugata Roy said, "I cannot say anything about that because I was not in the House. I don’t know who smoked or who raised the complaint. This is a violation of rules, and it is for the Speaker to inquire and take action. Why turn it into a political issue?...”

Later, he also commented, "We can smoke E-cigarette (within the premises of the House). We cannot smoke inside the building, but can outside..."