AAP MP Sanjay Singh has been suspended from the Rajya Sabha for the duration of the monsoon session following a confrontation between the government and the opposition over the Manipur violence. The suspension comes after Mr. Singh allegedly entered the well of the House, raised slogans, and disregarded warnings from the Rajya Sabha Chairman.
In response to the suspension, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) expressed strong objections, claiming that Mr. Singh is a vocal opposition figure and insinuating that the BJP would have incarcerated him if given the opportunity. The AAP leader, Saurabh Bharadwaj, asserted that despite attempts to silence Mr. Singh’s voice, the BJP government’s return to power is uncertain.
During a meeting called by Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, the floor leaders of opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha walked out, objecting to the participation of Raghav Chadha from AAP and Santanu Sen from the Trinamool Congress, as they are not recognized as floor leaders.
Earlier, when the Rajya Sabha resumed its proceedings after an adjournment, the Chairman allowed the question hour to begin, despite opposition MPs’ requests for a discussion on the Manipur violence under Rule 267 and a statement from the Prime Minister.
In the midst of the question hour, AAP MP Sanjay Singh protested by entering the well of the House and raising slogans. Despite warnings, he continued his protest, leading to a motion moved by Leader of the House, Piyush Goyal, to suspend him. The motion was adopted by voice vote, resulting in Mr. Singh’s suspension.
Both houses of Parliament have faced disruptions since the start of the monsoon session on July 20, with opposition parties demanding a thorough discussion on the Manipur violence and a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the matter within Parliament. The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned until 3 pm.
