The controversy surrounding Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Saugata Roy allegedly smoking on Parliament premises has escalated, with fellow party member Kirti Azad adding a new dimension to the issue by claiming that "hundreds of MPs smoke on the premises". This statement comes in the wake of accusations against Roy by BJP MP Anurag Thakur, who alleged that a TMC MP was seen smoking e-cigarettes in the House.
The incident involving Saugata Roy occurred when Union Ministers Gajendra Shekhawat and Giriraj Singh confronted him for smoking outside the Parliament building. They pointed out that smoking in public places is not permissible and is detrimental to public health. Roy reportedly attempted to conceal his cigarette, arguing that smoking was allowed in open spaces.
Kirti Azad, reacting to Thakur's complaint, dismissed the allegations as baseless without concrete evidence. He further challenged the accusations by stating that if Thakur had proof of any TMC MP smoking an e-cigarette, he should present it. Azad then broadened the scope of the issue by alleging widespread smoking among MPs within the Parliament premises. "Let there be an inquiry… It will come out," he asserted, suggesting the issue would gain further prominence.
The BJP has seized upon the incident, framing it as a matter of public health and decorum. The party's leaders have emphasized the importance of adhering to regulations and respecting the health of others. The incident has also become a flashpoint in the ongoing political battle between the TMC and the BJP, particularly with the West Bengal Assembly elections on the horizon.
The controversy has ignited a debate on the enforcement of smoking regulations within the Parliament complex and the ethical conduct of parliamentarians. The claims made by Kirti Azad, if substantiated, could raise serious questions about the prevalence of rule-breaking and the potential health hazards faced by those working in the building.
This episode is not the first time internal conflicts within the TMC have surfaced. Recently, Saugata Roy expressed concern over a reported confrontation between Kirti Azad and Kalyan Banerjee at the Election Commission headquarters. This followed the leak of WhatsApp chats and the release of videos by the BJP, which purportedly showed a heated exchange between the two TMC MPs. The discord reportedly stemmed from a proposal by Azad to open a Bengali sweet shop inside Parliament premises, which was opposed by Banerjee.
These incidents highlight the internal dynamics within the TMC and the challenges the party faces in maintaining unity. As the political climate intensifies, such controversies are likely to be amplified, potentially impacting the party's image and electoral prospects. The unfolding smoking row adds another layer of complexity to the already fraught relationship between the TMC and the BJP, promising further political turbulence in the days to come.
