Shocking Accusation: Anurag Thakur Calls Out TMC MP for E-Cigarette Use in Lok Sabha During Winter Session!
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Anurag Thakur stirred controversy in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, accusing an unnamed Trinamool Congress MP of smoking an e-cigarette during a session. Thakur’s remarks came during Question Hour, where he challenged the Speaker, Om Birla, about the legality of e-cigarettes in Parliament.
“E-cigarettes are banned across the country. Yet you have allowed them in the House?” Thakur questioned, pointing out that Trinamool MPs had reportedly been seen smoking them over several days. He urged immediate investigation, stating, “E-cigarettes are being smoked in the House. Please look into this.”
When Speaker Birla denied any knowledge of this practice, Thakur reiterated his claim, asserting that a Trinamool Congress leader had been “constantly smoking e-cigarettes in the House for the past several days.” This accusation ignited a wave of protests from other BJP members, creating a brief uproar that added to the already lively scenes typical of parliamentary proceedings. Several BJP MPs demanded action against the alleged offender.
Amid the chaos, Speaker Birla called for decorum within the House, emphasizing the importance of maintaining its dignity. He assured members that if a written complaint were lodged, appropriate action would be taken.
E-cigarettes, scientifically known as electronic cigarettes, are battery-operated devices that vaporize a liquid, commonly referred to as e-liquid or vape juice, which users then inhale. The Indian government officially banned e-cigarettes in 2019, highlighting the potential health risks associated with their use. Following the ban, the central government urged states to enforce compliance, especially regarding sales near educational institutions, where instances of e-cigarette availability had raised concerns.
In addition to the nationwide ban on e-cigarettes, smoking is prohibited in public places, including the Parliament building and its grounds. The Parliament’s Rule Book specifies that smoking is “strictly forbidden.” This rule gained increased attention during a 2015 uproar when lawmakers from various parties voiced their discontent over the closure of the designated smoking room within Parliament, further demonstrating the complexities surrounding smoking regulations among MPs.
As the Winter Session of Parliament progresses, from December 1 to December 19, the dialog surrounding smoking regulations and health policies continues to evolve. The recent incident underscores ongoing tensions in the House regarding adherence to the law and the responsibilities of elected representatives to uphold public standards.
With growing awareness around health issues and the influence of social behaviors on public policy, the spotlight is expected to remain on Parliament’s regulations and the conduct of its members in the coming weeks.
The engagement and response from both the BJP and Trinamool Congress highlight the intricate dynamics of Indian politics, where even a health-related matter can spark intense debate and scrutiny.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/parliament-winter-session-bjp-anurag-thakur-accuses-tmc-mp-of-smoking-an-e-cigarette-in-lok-sabha-vapes-11765437575177.html
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Publish Date: 2025-12-11 13:04:00
