Trinamool MP's Smoking Controversy: BJP Demands Action Over Alleged Parliament Vaping Incident

New Delhi:

A controversy has erupted over smoking in parliament as the BJP seeks disciplinary action against a Trinamool Congress member allegedly caught vaping in the Lok Sabha. Trinamool MP Saugata Roy, who was observed smoking outside parliament yesterday, responded today by urging the government to concentrate on addressing pollution issues instead.

Yesterday, Roy faced confrontation from Union ministers Gajendra Shekhawat and Giriraj Singh when they spotted him smoking outside parliament. Video evidence showed Roy holding a cigarette in his left hand as the ministers expressed public health concerns. Roy defended himself by stating he was smoking outdoors rather than inside the building.

Today, the Trinamool leader accused the government of attempting to shift focus away from more pressing pollution concerns.

"While smoking cigarettes inside the House is prohibited, there's no restriction against smoking in open areas outside the House. Delhi's pollution has reached its peak under the BJP government. They should prioritize addressing this issue rather than making such allegations. One cigarette makes no difference to overall pollution," Roy told reporters.

The situation intensified this morning when the BJP alleged Roy had used an electronic cigarette, which has been banned in India since 2019, inside the Lok Sabha chamber. BJP MP Anurag Thakur wrote to Speaker Om Birla, stating that this not only represented a serious legal breach but also conveyed a dangerous message to young people.

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Thakur emphasized that possessing or using e-cigarettes in government buildings, particularly within the Parliament complex, constitutes a punishable offense. He noted that any nicotine or smoking devices have been prohibited in Parliament House since 2008.

"Using a banned substance and prohibited device inside the Lok Sabha chamber, the heart of Indian democracy, represents not just a clear violation of parliamentary decorum and discipline but also a cognizable offense under laws enacted by this very House," stated Thakur's letter, which did not explicitly name Roy but identified him as a Trinamool member.

Seeking "exemplary action," Thakur requested an investigation into the incident and urged the Speaker to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the MP.

During yesterday's Question Hour, Thakur raised the vaping allegation, claiming that Trinamool MPs have been vaping in the House despite India's nationwide ban.

The widely circulated video from yesterday showed Shekhawat and Singh, both Union cabinet ministers, confronting Roy in the Parliament House Complex.

"It's harmful to your health," Singh told him. Roy attempted to argue that smoking outdoors didn't violate any rules. Shekhawat countered that this reasoning wasn't valid since Roy was endangering everyone's health.

Speaking to media personnel, Roy denied using an e-cigarette in the House yesterday.

"I cannot comment on something I know nothing about, as I wasn't in the House and don't know who smoked or complained. It's the Speaker's responsibility to investigate and take appropriate action if rules were violated. Why politicize this matter?" he questioned.

When pressed further, Roy retorted, "Smoking is prohibited inside the building but permitted outside. Are you now the Speaker? Will you make these decisions? You can create any headline to impress ministers. I have no further comment."