Concerns rise over suspension of opposition MPs over disruption in Parliament; Protest continues

   The recent suspension of 33 Lok Sabha members and 45 Rajya Sabha members belonging to the opposition Bharat group has sparked controversy in the parliamentary scene.  This drastic action, primarily in response to the disruption of parliamentary proceedings during protests over last week's security breach, has drawn attention to the breadth and impact of the suspension within the legislative sector.

  Most of the suspended MPs – 14 of whom were already barred last week – now face suspension for the remainder of the winter session.  This move amounts to approximately 12 per cent of the total combined strength of Parliament, significantly impacting operational dynamics.  Notably, these suspensions include 39 per cent of Bharatiya Alliance MPs.

  The disruptive actions that led to these suspensions included demands for a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the Parliament security breach.  In the Lok Sabha, MPs were seen displaying placards and three Congress members were seen climbing onto the Speaker's podium to signal their dissatisfaction.

  In a separate incident, amid the turmoil, an MP was seen imitating the Vice President at Makar Dwar while Rahul Gandhi allegedly recorded a Trinamool Congress MP using his mobile phone.

  India Bloc MPs have continuously sought clarification from Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the violation that took place on December 13.  Congress Parliamentary Party President Sonia Gandhi also joined the suspended MPs who were protesting in front of the Gandhi statue in the Parliament complex and expressed their dissatisfaction against the government.

  Apart from this, the suspended members continued their protest at the Makar Gate of Parliament, vocally against the actions of the government.

  These suspensions were seen by some as a crackdown on dissent, drawing criticism from opposition leaders.  Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the move as an attack on democratic norms, while Jairam Ramesh described the suspension as a "murder of democracy".