Indian Parliament: 78 opposition MPs suspended in a single day of winter session

In a development that's sure to raise political temperatures in the biggest democracy of the world, 78 Opposition MPs were suspended from the Parliament of India on Monday (Dec 18). Out of the 78MPs, 11 have been suspended for a day and the for remainder of the winter session for 'unruly behaviour'.

The development has taken place just days after 14 Opposition MPs were suspended. Thirteen of these were from Lok Sabha and one from Rajya Sabha. This means that as Monday, the number of suspended MPs stands at 92. The suspended Opposition MPs include those from Lok Sabha (lower house) as well as Rajya Sabha (upper house).

The 33 suspended MPs from Lok Sabha includeAdhir Ranjan Chowdury, the leader of the opposition - Indian National Congress -in the house.

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Here is a full list of suspended Lok Sabha MPs as reported by ANI:

The Opposition MPs hadbeen protestingand demandingUnion Home Minister Amit Shah to givea statement over a recent parliament security breach.

On December 13, two intruders jumped inside the Lok Sabha from viewing galleries carrying smoke bombs and shouting slogans. They were overpowered by the MPs and later arrested. More arrests have been made in this case. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has termed the security breach 'serious' and has expressed the need for an investigation.

Watch | Delhi Police Special Cell leading probe into Indian Parliament Security Breach

In Lok Sabha, the Opposition MPs resorted to sloganeering, demanding answers from BJP and alleging that the government was running away from its parliamentary obligations. The proceedings had to be adjourned twice.

Situation was somewhat similar in the Rajya Sabha.

Despite the disruptions, Rajya Sabha was able to pass the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill and J&K Reorganisation (Second Amendment) Bill, 2023.

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In Lok Sabha, the Post Office Bill was passed.

'Heights of tyranny'

The Opposition, especially the Congress, has reacted sharply to the large number of suspensions and has accused PM Narendra Modi-led government of violating democratic norms.

"All leaders, including me, have been suspended. We have been demanding for days to reinstate our MPs who were suspended earlier and that the Home Minister come to the House and give a statement (on Parliament security breach)." Lok Sabha MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury told news agency ANI

"Today, the government has reached the heights of tyranny."

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Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla however, claimed that the MPs were suspended 'to uphold the sanctity of the House.'

(With inputs from agencies)