TMC’s Derek O’Brien Suspended from Rajya Sabha Amid Manipur Discussion
In a dramatic turn of events, the Rajya Sabha Speaker, VP Dhankhar, took the unprecedented step of suspending Trinamool Congress (TMC) member Derek O’Brien from the Upper House on Tuesday. O’Brien’s suspension, effective for the duration of the monsoon session, was triggered by his insistence on discussing the issue of Manipur, leading to a clash of perspectives within the chamber.
The suspension unfolded amidst a raucous atmosphere in the Upper House, as Derek O’Brien raised a point of order regarding the discussion on Manipur. VP Dhankhar’s decision to suspend him came in the midst of the heated debate, with a stern directive for O’Brien to leave the House. The suspension subsequently prompted the adjournment of the House until noon, as the repercussions of the disciplinary action reverberated throughout the parliamentary proceedings.
The incident comes on the heels of Derek O’Brien’s assertion earlier in the day, where he contended that the rules of a no-confidence motion, tabled by the opposition, were required to compel Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence in the Lok Sabha. O’Brien, the Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha for the TMC, conveyed his message via a tweet, urging the prime minister to also participate in discussions in the Upper House.
In his tweet, Derek O’Brien expressed his perspective on the situation, stating, “It’s taken the rules of a no-confidence motion to finally drag the PM to the Lok Sabha.” This comment alluded to the perceived reluctance of the prime minister to participate in parliamentary debates, which was seemingly overcome by the no-confidence motion.
O’Brien’s tweet also highlighted a pressing concern in the Rajya Sabha— the government’s alleged hesitancy to engage in discussions regarding the Manipur issue. He questioned, “And in the Rajya Sabha, what’s stopping this heartless government from starting the discussion on Manipur today, August 8, at 11 am. Let’s begin.” This call for immediate dialogue on the Manipur matter underscored O’Brien’s contention that the government should not shy away from addressing pressing concerns in the Upper House.
As the suspension of Derek O’Brien unfolds as a significant moment in the current monsoon session, it draws attention to the dynamics of parliamentary proceedings and the broader context of political discourse. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a conducive atmosphere for meaningful debates while adhering to established protocols.
News Mania Desk / Agnibeena Ghosh 8th August 2023
