New Delhi – Dozens of opposition lawmakers who were suspended from Parliament by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for obstructing proceedings staged a street protest on Thursday, accusing the government of stifling democracy in the country.
They briefly marched outside the Parliament building in New Delhi behind a huge banner reading “Save Democracy” and carrying placards reading “Democracy is in Danger.” The suspension came at a time when lawmakers were scheduled to discuss the controversial criminal reform bill.
More than 140 opposition lawmakers were suspended in the Houses of Parliament over the past week for demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah on the security breach that occurred on December 13 when two intruders broke into the chamber by jumping from the visitors’ lounge and emitting yellow smoke. Bombs. They created panic among lawmakers and disrupted parliamentary procedures.
One of the intruders jumped from one seat to another before being overpowered by some lawmakers and security personnel and later arrested. The police also arrested a number of their partners outside Parliament. The hackers claimed that they wanted to highlight the government’s interest in the country’s high unemployment rates.
Opposition representatives demanded a discussion in Parliament about disrupting security, but were accused of causing chaos.
Sharad Pawar, a senior opposition leader, said the government’s action represented the highest-ever suspension of lawmakers in a Parliament session.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said, “If the Prime Minister and Home Minister do not speak in Parliament, where will they speak?”
Government leaders asked opposition members to await the results of the investigation that had been set up to investigate the security breach. The opposition blocked Parliament’s work for several days by raising anti-government slogans and carrying banners inside the hall.
The arrested members are now banned from entering the parliament hall. The suspension will continue until Friday, when the current winter session of Parliament ends.
The ruling Hindu Nationalist Party government proceeded with legislative work despite the suspension of lawmakers, including passing three bills seeking to reform criminal laws.
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