AAP Member Sanjay Singh Suspended from Rajya Sabha for Violating Chair’s Directions During Monsoon Session
24-07-2023 : Sanjay Singh, an MP for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was suspended from the remaining days of the monsoon session of Parliament on Monday as a result of a critical decision taken by Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. Singh’s claimed frequent violations of the Chair’s instructions during the proceedings led to the suspension.
The incident unfolded when the House commenced the Question Hour amid protests by the Opposition over their demands for a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Manipur violence and a comprehensive discussion on the matter. As the House resumed proceedings at noon, Singh interrupted the proceedings and approached the Chairman’s podium in support of the Opposition’s demands. Dhankhar promptly instructed Singh to return to his seat, but the AAP member continued to protest, leading to the Chairman naming him.
In response to this action, Leader of the House Piyush Goyal presented a motion urging the Chair to suspend Sanjay Singh, asserting that such behavior was in direct violation of the ethics and rules of the House. Goyal recommended Singh’s suspension from the entire session of the House.
The Chairman put the motion to the House for approval and officially announced Singh’s suspension for the remaining duration of the monsoon session of Parliament. Dhankhar cited the AAP member’s repeated defiance of the Chair’s directives as the reason for the suspension.
Prior to this incident, Dhankhar had previously warned Sanjay Singh after the latter repeatedly protested against a proposed bill aimed at replacing the Centre’s ordinance regarding control over services in Delhi. During the proceedings of the Business Advisory Committee, Dhankhar cautioned Singh about the consequences of his continued disruptions.
The Opposition, including AAP, had been pressing for a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Manipur situation and a comprehensive discussion on the issue. The government stated its willingness to engage in a discussion on the matter, but the Opposition remained insistent on suspending the regular business for a detailed examination of the situation.
The ongoing monsoon session of Parliament, which commenced on July 20 and is set to continue till August 11, has witnessed considerable disruptions and demands from the Opposition related to the Manipur violence issue. The initial days of the session saw the proceedings almost entirely washed out due to the unresolved demands of the Opposition.
