Rajya Sabha Chairman Dhankhar Suspends TMC MP Derek O'Brien For Rest of Session
New Delhi: Trinamool Congress member of parliament Derek O'Brien was today, August 8, suspended from the Rajya Sabha for what remains of the Monsoon Session.
This development comes as the Lok Sabha, the Lower House, is beginning discussion on the no-confidence motion moved by opposition members against the Narendra Modi government. The vote on this is expected tomorrow, August 9, or day after.
O'Brien is a member of the Rajya Sabha, or Upper House. His suspension came after the Leader of the House, Union minister Piyush Goyal, moved a motion, which House chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar considered favourably.
Dhankhar, who is also Vice-President of India, today said that O'Brien is suspended for “unruly behaviour and disregarding the directions of the Chair”.
O'Brien is among MPs who have been vocal in their demand that PM Modi address the Manipur violence in parliament.
Today as well, the opposition voiced the necessity for a discussion on Manipur. Indian Express reported that Goyal stated that he will check where the home minister Amit Shah is, and if the opposition agrees then a discussion can start at noon.
O’Brien then raised a point of order and called for a discussion. "We are ready for a discussion on Manipur but not the way they want it," he said.
Dhankhar interjected at this point, saying "If a member seeks to raise a point of order but doesn’t raise a point of order…we need to keep our composure. Raise a point of order, don’t make a speech on that."
He also said: “You will rise, you won’t make a point of order, you won’t wait for my ruling and you will occupy space… that can’t be done. Tell me under which rule are you raising point of order?"
NDTV has additionally reported that the MP then sought to speak under Rule 267 – under which the opposition has been seeking a discussion on the Manipur issue since the start of the Monsoon session on July 20.
Dhankhar, according to Express, then said, “Take your seat…I name Mr Derek O'Brien to leave the House.”
Goyal then moved to suspend O'Brien.
A day ago, Dhankhar had accused O'Brien of doing "theatrics" during the six-hour debate on the Delhi Services Bill.
"Your demeanour was ignoble, does not justify the position you hold," Dhankhar added.
He also accused O'Brien of "doing this as part of a strategy".
This article went live on August eighth, two thousand twenty three, at thirty-nine minutes past twelve at noon.The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.
