Why is Trinamool MP Saugata Roy Facing Criticism for Smoking an E-Cigarette on Parliament Grounds?
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Synopsis
Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy is under fire for allegedly smoking an e-cigarette in Parliament. While Congress condemns the act, the Samajwadi Party defends him, sparking a political debate. Explore the contrasting views and implications of this incident.
Key Takeaways
- The controversy involves Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy smoking an e-cigarette in Parliament.
- Congress criticized the action as inappropriate while SP defended Roy's behavior.
- BJP members confronted Roy, escalating the issue into a political debate.
- Roy claimed he was not present in the House during the time of the alleged incident.
- The incident raises questions about parliamentary decorum and personal conduct.
New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy is facing backlash after a video emerged showing him using an e-cigarette on the grounds of Parliament. The Congress party criticized the action as inappropriate, while the Samajwadi Party (SP) came to his defense, asserting that he did not breach any parliamentary norms.
Congress MP Imran Masood stated, “This is wrong. If he is smoking in Parliament, it is not appropriate.”
In contrast, SP MP Virendra Singh defended Roy, mentioning, “Saugata Roy is an experienced MP with multiple terms. He understands parliamentary traditions and regulations. I don’t believe he breached any norms. The BJP frequently exaggerates matters to distract from significant issues.”
The video surfaced soon after BJP MP Anurag Thakur raised the topic in the Lok Sabha. Following this, BJP members Giriraj Singh and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat confronted Roy, accusing him of breaking rules and jeopardizing the health of others.
Responding to the allegations, Roy denied any misconduct and insisted he was not smoking within the Parliament building. He stated he was not present in the House during the time mentioned by BJP representatives.
Roy emphasized the importance of addressing the issue administratively rather than politically. “I cannot comment on this because I was not in the House, and I am unaware of who smoked or who raised complaints. It is for the Speaker to investigate and decide if it constitutes a rules violation. Why is this being politicized? If it is indeed a breach of rules, let the Speaker take appropriate action,” he told reporters.
He reiterated that the Speaker should determine the next steps and questioned the BJP’s attempt to escalate the matter into a political controversy.
Meanwhile, BJP MP Anurag Thakur sent a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on December 12, demanding action and asserting that Roy’s behavior amounted to a violation of both parliamentary regulations and legal standards.
“The open use of a banned substance and a prohibited device inside the sanctum sanctorum of Indian democracy -- the Lok Sabha chamber -- is not only a blatant disregard for parliamentary decorum and discipline but also constitutes a cognizable offence under the laws enacted by this House,” Thakur stated in his letter.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the significance of maintaining decorum in Parliament. The incident involving MP Saugata Roy raises critical discussions about the boundaries of personal conduct within political spaces. While the reactions from various parties highlight differing perspectives, it is crucial to focus on the principles of governance and the implications of such actions on public perception.
NationPress
14/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened with Trinamool MP Saugata Roy?
Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy faced criticism for allegedly smoking an e-cigarette on Parliament grounds, leading to a debate about parliamentary decorum.
What was Congress's response to the incident?
Congress labeled Roy's actions as inappropriate and called for accountability regarding his behavior in Parliament.
How did the Samajwadi Party respond?
The Samajwadi Party defended Saugata Roy, claiming he did not violate any parliamentary norms and criticizing the BJP for exaggerating the issue.
What did BJP MPs say about Roy's actions?
BJP MPs confronted Roy, accusing him of breaking rules and endangering the health of others by smoking.
What did Saugata Roy say in his defense?
Roy denied any wrongdoing, stating he was not smoking inside the Parliament and emphasized that the matter should be addressed administratively.
