Opposition Criticizes Government's 'Double Standards' In Wake Of Parliament Security Breach

Congress leader Manish Tewari criticized the government's perceived "double standards" following the security breach in Parliament. Tewari pointed out the contrasting treatment of individuals involved in different incidents within the legislative body. He highlighted the expulsion of someone from Lok Sabha, who allegedly provided a password for posing questions without due process, while another individual, implicated in providing passes for a smoke bomb incident in the Lok Sabha, seemed to evade accountability.

Amidst the fallout from the security breach, chaos ensued in Parliament as Opposition MPs staged protests on Thursday. The Opposition demanded a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah, attributing the security lapse to the Centre. In response, Shah emphasized that Parliament's security falls under the Speaker's purview, and the Speaker has communicated with the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the matter.

The protest actions led to the suspension of 14 Opposition MPs—13 from Lok Sabha and one from Rajya Sabha—for their perceived "unruly" conduct during the parliamentary sessions. The protests caused disruptions, forcing multiple adjournments in both Houses.

The security breach itself occurred on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack. Two individuals breached security by jumping into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors' gallery, releasing colored smoke, and shouting slogans. MPs quickly overpowered the intruders, preventing further escalation.

Simultaneously, Lalit Mohan Jha, identified as the key figure in the security breach, was arrested. The police have filed terrorism charges against the four accused, including Jha, under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). In response to the incident, eight security personnel at the Parliament were suspended. The police revealed that a total of six individuals were involved in the breach, coinciding with the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 terror attack on Parliament.