In a dramatic turn of events at Parliament, Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee has been suspended from the joint parliamentary committee (JPC) following a heated confrontation during discussions on the Waqf bill. The one-day suspension, which covers two committee meetings, was approved through a narrow vote of 9-8 on Tuesday.
The suspension came after Banerjee allegedly engaged in conduct deemed unparliamentary during the committee proceedings. According to sources present at the meeting, the situation escalated when Banerjee reportedly used unparliamentary language in an exchange with committee chairperson Jagdambika Pal. The incident took a serious turn when Banerjee allegedly broke a glass bottle and threw it in the direction of the chairperson.
The disciplinary action was taken under Lok Sabha Rules 261 and 374(1)(2), which govern parliamentary conduct and provide measures for maintaining decorum during legislative proceedings. The close margin of the suspension vote – nine in favor and eight against – reflects the contentious nature of the incident and the current political dynamics within the committee.
This incident marks a significant moment of tension in the ongoing discussions surrounding the Waqf bill, highlighting the increasingly charged atmosphere in parliamentary proceedings. The suspension raises questions about decorum in parliamentary committees and the challenges of maintaining constructive dialogue on sensitive legislative matters.
Neither Banerjee nor the TMC leadership has issued an official statement regarding the suspension at the time of reporting. The incident is likely to have broader implications for the continuing deliberations on the Waqf bill and parliamentary decorum in general.
