Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader in Rajya Sabha Derek O’Brien staged a silent protest in the Parliament complex on Thursday after he was suspended from the Upper House for the remaining Winter Session for disrupting the proceedings.
The MP walked out of the Parliament building with a placard hanging around his neck and another tied to his back which read “Silent Protest” in three languages— English, Hindi and Bengali. He also refused to speak on the issue with reporters.
VIDEO | TMC MP Derek O’ Brien, suspended from the Rajya Sabha for the remaining Winter Session earlier today, holds ‘silent protest’ in the Parliament premises. pic.twitter.com/n5zkWX0Vt5— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 14, 2023
The TMC MP also changed his display picture from the microblogging site, X and used the same placard.
TMC REACTS
TMC has criticised the BJP-led central government for suspending its Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien and called for the immediate resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the Parliament security breach.
The party has accused the BJP government in the Centre of failing to ensure the safety of Parliament while actively suspending opposition MPs from the House.
DEREK O’BRIEN’S SUSPENSION
A resolution on breach of privilege was moved against Derek O’Brien for staying in the House even after suspension.
Later, around 4 pm, Leader of House Piyush Goyal moved a resolution under Rule 192 to refer the issue to the Committee of Privileges of the Rajya Sabha. It was immediately taken up by the chairman and passed by a voice vote.
“The motion is adopted. The matter stands referred to the committee of privileges of the Rajya Sabha for examination, investigation and report within a period of three months,” Dhankhar said.
Dhankhar again urged O’Brien to leave the house, but the latter did not oblige. The opposition members continued with their protest and amidst the uproar, the chairman adjourned the House proceedings till Friday.
(with PTI inputs)
