In recent developments within the Indian political landscape, two contrasting incidents have taken center stage – the mimicry of Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar by Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee and the major security breach in the Indian Parliament during the ongoing Winter Session. The former has drawn disapproval from Dhankhar, while the latter has raised serious concerns about the safety and integrity of the parliamentary proceedings.
Mimicry Controversy:
Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed strong disapproval of Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee’s impersonation during the Opposition’s protest outside Parliament. Dhankhar deemed the mimicry “ridiculous” and “shameful,” emphasizing the difference between the offices of the Chairman, Rajya Sabha, and the Speaker. The incident occurred amidst ongoing protests by the Opposition, demanding a discussion on the Parliament security breach that transpired on December 13. So far, 141 MPs have been suspended for unruly behavior, with the Opposition seeking accountability.
In a video clip, now-suspended TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee can be seen mocking the Vice President, impersonating Dhankhar and making derisive comments. Rahul Gandhi from the Congress party filmed the incident, further amplifying the controversy. Dhankhar’s remarks highlight the contentious atmosphere surrounding the Parliament, where political differences are manifesting in unconventional ways.
Security Breach in Parliament:
On the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 attack on India’s Parliament, chaos unfolded in the Lok Sabha during the Winter Session. Four individuals disrupted proceedings by releasing colored smoke canisters and chanting slogans against dictatorship. The intrusion involved individuals jumping into the Lok Sabha from the public gallery, causing panic among MPs.
The visitor passes used by the intruders were issued in the name of BJP MP Pratap Simha from Mysuru, Karnataka. Simha, a 42-year-old former journalist, won the Mysuru constituency with an increased vote share in the 2019 elections. Reports suggest that Simha is known for his admiration for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and had authorized three passes, allowing the intruders access to the Lok Sabha.
One of the intruders, Manoranjan D, a Mysuru-based engineer, reportedly frequented Simha’s office. Sagar Sharma, another individual who entered the Indian Parliament, was introduced to Simha by Manoranjan D. The controversy surrounding the issuance of the visitor’s pass has prompted Simha’s office to defend the MP, stating that such requests from constituents are commonly entertained by MPs.
Dhankhar’s Silence on the Security Breach:
While Dhankhar expressed disapproval of the mimicry incident, there has been noticeable silence from the Rajya Sabha chairman regarding the security breach facilitated by BJP MP Pratap Simha. The issuance of visitor passes under Simha’s authorization has raised questions about the protocol and security measures in place within the Parliament.
As the controversy unfolds, the focus remains on addressing the security lapses and ensuring the safety of parliamentary proceedings. The juxtaposition of these incidents underscores the challenges faced by the Indian political landscape, where both internal dissent and external threats contribute to a complex and volatile environment.
