The Lok Sabha was adjourned amidst chaos as opposition MPs staged protests against BJP MP Anurag Thakur for his remarks on caste made during a debate on the Union Budget. Despite assurances, his remarks were not expunged from the parliamentary record, leading to a breach of privilege notice being filed against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The protests continued as Congress MPs stormed the Well of the House and raised slogans against Mr. Thakur and the ruling party.
Anurag Thakur's Controversial Remarks and the Ensuing Parliamentary Chaos
Background:
On February 11, 2023, during a debate on the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Anurag Thakur made derogatory remarks related to caste. The opposition parties, led by the Congress, raised objections and demanded that his comments be expunged from the parliamentary record.
The Controversy:
Thakur's remarks were considered offensive and insensitive by the opposition MPs. They alleged that he had made derogatory comments against the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Thakur defended himself, claiming that he had not made any such remarks.
Parliamentary Proceedings:
Despite assurances from the Speaker, Om Birla, that Thakur's remarks would be expunged from the record, the protests continued. Congress MPs stormed the Well of the House and raised slogans against Thakur and the ruling party. The chaotic situation led to the adjournment of the Lok Sabha.
Consequences:
The opposition parties filed a breach of privilege notice against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of protecting Thakur and condoning his behavior. The matter is now under investigation by the Parliament's Privileges and Ethics Committee.
FAQs:
Thakur's exact words are disputed, but the opposition alleges that he made derogatory comments about Dalits and Adivasis. Thakur denies making such remarks.
The opposition viewed Thakur's remarks as an insult to marginalized communities and a violation of their constitutional rights. They accused the BJP of promoting casteism and discrimination.
Despite the Speaker's assurances, the parliamentary record shows that Thakur's remarks were not expunged. The opposition claims that this was done deliberately to protect Thakur and the ruling party.
The notice alleges that Modi failed to stop Thakur from making the offensive remarks and therefore condoned his behavior. The Privileges and Ethics Committee will investigate the matter and make recommendations to the Lok Sabha.
The Privileges and Ethics Committee is expected to conduct a thorough investigation and submit its findings to the Lok Sabha. The committee could recommend any appropriate action, including a formal censure or suspension of Thakur or even Prime Minister Modi.
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