New Delhi: E-cigarette controversy in Parliament

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New Delhi. These days the debate on the issue of e-cigarette is going on in the Parliament. BJP MP Anurag Thakur has written a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and lodged a serious complaint, in which he has accused a Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP of violating the rules of Parliament and legislative laws.

Anurag Thakur’s complaint

Anurag Thakur has described this incident in detail in the letter and said that such actions are tantamount to contempt of the dignity of Parliament and law. He has requested the Speaker of the Lok Sabha to seriously investigate the matter and take appropriate action for violation of rules. The issue gained momentum when senior TMC MP Saugata Roy was seen smoking a cigarette in the Parliament complex, after which it turned into a political controversy.

Sugat Roy’s response

Sugat Roy clarified during the conversation that he did not think any rules applied to him because he was smoking a cigarette outside. Union Ministers Giriraj Singh and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat objected to his actions, in which Shekhawat said that MPs should act thoughtfully so that the public gets the right message.

TMC MPs counterattack

After this incident, TMC MP Kirti Azad hit back at BJP and alleged that many MPs smoked in the Parliament complex. He also alleged that a BJP MP takes 40% commission from the MP fund.

Anurag Thakur’s claim

It is noteworthy that during the question hour, former Union Minister Anurag Thakur made serious allegations against the Trinamool Congress MP. He demanded the Speaker to investigate the matter, to which the Speaker assured that violation of rules will not be tolerated and a proper investigation will be conducted.