Lok Sabha suspends 'absent' DMK MP; Here's what happened next

New Delhi: Amid the chaos of 14 Opposition MPs facing suspension from the Lok Sabha, DMK leaders raised a vehement complaint, asserting that one of their MPs, SR Parthiban, was erroneously named among the suspended despite his absence from the House. The revelation sent shockwaves through the political corridors.

Government's clarification

Responding to the uproar, the government issued a startling clarification, admitting that the inclusion of SR Parthiban’s name was indeed a case of ‘mistaken identity.’ Union Minister Prahlad Joshi revealed that a total of 13 Opposition MPs, excluding SR Parthiban, were legitimately suspended, highlighting an oversight in the identification process.

Parthiban was in Chennai, not in Lok Sabha

Prior to the government’s clarification, DMK MPs passionately conveyed that SR Parthiban, implicated among the suspended MPs, was not even present in the Lok Sabha during the tumultuous events. The revelation added weight to the contention that a grave mistake had occurred.

Apology for misidentification

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi publicly acknowledged the misstep, emphasizing that the inclusion of SR Parthiban’s name resulted from a misidentification. He revealed that immediate action was taken, requesting the Speaker to rectify the error by removing the wrongly accused MP’s name. The Speaker promptly accepted this plea, setting the record straight.

Opposition parties protests over security breach

The suspension of Opposition MPs, including the erroneous inclusion of SR Parthiban, transpired in the aftermath of intense protests by Opposition members demanding a government statement on the recent security breach in Parliament. The disciplinary action aimed at curbing the disruptions that unfolded during House proceedings.

14 MPs suspended for unruly conduct

In total, 14 Opposition MPs faced suspension, with 13 from the Lok Sabha and one from the Rajya Sabha. The disciplinary measure was instituted for their alleged involvement in “unruly” conduct during the parliamentary sessions. Among the suspended MPs, nine hailed from the Congress, two from CPM, one from DMK, and one from CPI.

As the dust settles on this startling revelation, the political landscape remains in turmoil. The mistaken suspension of DMK MP SR Parthiban has added a layer of complexity to an already tumultuous parliamentary episode.