TMC MP in trouble for using e-cigarette in Parliament, action likely

An ethics committee is probing a TMC MP for allegedly using an e-cigarette in Parliament, with action imminent. BJP MP Ghulam Ali Khatana and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla have confirmed that the matter is being investigated to uphold House dignity.

Ethics Committee Investigating, Action Imminent

Amid impending action against a Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP for allegedly using an e-cigarette in Parliament, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ghulam Ali Khatana said that an ethics committee was looking into the matter and action would be taken. "Parliament is the country's largest panchayat. Our country is a cultural country, a country with 'tehzeeb'. Parliament has an Ethics Committee that is investigating this matter. Action will definitely be taken in this," Khatana told ANI.

This comes after Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday said the investigation into the complaint against a TMC MP for allegedly using an e-cigarette in the House is being completed and asserted that it is the responsibility of all members to uphold the dignity of the House.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the upcoming Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth, Birla also cautioned members that action would be taken if the dignity of the House is not maintained. "The process of investigation is in the direction of being completed. As soon as the investigation process is completed, the action plan will be made and will go to the committee, and the process will be completed. It will not be possible for anyone to spoil the dignity of the House. It is a responsibility," he said. "You will have to maintain decorum inside the House, and the one who does not maintain decorum will be punished under the rules and procedures of the Parliament. Action will be taken. Action will be taken as per the rules," he added.

Origin of the Complaint

The Speaker was answering a query on the probe into the E-cigarette complaint against a TMC MP, made during the winter session of Parliament by BJP MP Anurag Thakur.

Earlier, Anurag Thakur complained that a TMC MP had been smoking an E-cigarette in the House in violation of rules. He had said E-cigarettes have been banned in the country and asked if they have been allowed in the House.

The Speaker had responded firmly, saying that no rule allows any MP to smoke inside the house. "If such an incident is brought to my notice with clarity, appropriate action will follow," Birla said. He promised to look into the incident after Anurag Thakur submitted a written complaint about the alleged smoking incident to the Speaker. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)