Ruckus in Lok Sabha as BJP’s Anurag Thakur claims TMC MPs smoking e-cigarettes inside House
A fresh row erupted in the Lok Sabha on Thursday after BJP MP Anurag Thakur alleged that Trinamool Congress (TMC) members were smoking electronic cigarettes inside the House over the past few days.
Speaker Om Birla, who was presiding over the proceedings, asked Thakur, who represents Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh, to submit any such complaints in writing, adding that he would take action.
Addressing the Speaker during Question Hour, Thakur said he had a question on the rules of the House. “In the entire country, e-cigarettes have been banned. Have you allowed it in the House?” Thakur asked. To this, Birla said, “No.”
Thakur then alleged that TMC members were smoking it in the House. “They are sitting in the House and smoking it… You should get it checked,” said Thakur.
After Thakur’s remarks, there was some chaos in the House briefly as members from the two sides exchanged allegations.
Birla then intervened and said: “I would like to again request the members that rules of the House and traditions have to be followed. If such an issue comes to me, action will be taken.”
As Thakur persisted with the allegation, TMC members hit back with retorts. Some BJP MPs also shouted from their seats, accusing TMC members of flouting House rules.
In 2019, the Centre had banned the production, import, distribution and sale of electronic cigarettes. In December 2019, both Houses of Parliament had passed the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Bill, 2019.
