New Delhi: A controversy has erupted in the Lok Sabha after BJP MP Anurag Thakur filed a written complaint with Speaker Om Birla, alleging that a Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP was seen vaping inside the House. Thakur is seeking immediate action against the unnamed TMC lawmaker for what he describes as a "grave breach of Parliamentary rules and statutory provisions".

The complaint, submitted on Friday, December 12, 2025, details an incident where a TMC MP was "openly using an electronic cigarette" while seated during a Lok Sabha session. Thakur, the MP for Hamirpur, stated that the act was "clearly visible" to numerous members present in the House. He initially raised the issue on Thursday without naming the MP in question.

Thakur argues that vaping inside the Lok Sabha constitutes a violation of parliamentary decorum and discipline. He emphasized that the use of a banned substance within the "sanctum sanctorum" of Indian democracy also amounts to a cognizable offense under existing laws. India outlawed e-cigarettes a few years ago. Thakur's complaint specifically cites the 2019 Electronic Cigarettes Ban Act, which criminalizes the possession and use of e-cigarettes.

The BJP MP further contended that such behavior sets a poor precedent, sends a dangerous message to the youth, and lowers the dignity of the House, especially considering the government's strong stance against tobacco and nicotine products. He has urged Speaker Birla to initiate an inquiry through the appropriate parliamentary mechanism and commence disciplinary proceedings against the MP in question. Thakur also requested "exemplary action" to uphold the sanctity of the House.

Speaker Birla had stated on Thursday that he would take action if a written complaint was submitted. In response to Thakur's allegations, TMC MP Kirti Azad dismissed the complaint as baseless and a waste of the Lok Sabha's time. Azad questioned why Thakur did not name the MP and insisted that any allegation must be supported by proof. Azad further claimed that Thakur was "rapped" by the Speaker for misusing Zero Hour, which is meant for MPs to raise important issues.

The incident has sparked a debate on decorum and discipline within the Lok Sabha. Rules prohibit smoking and vaping within the Parliament complex since 2008 under COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act), and the Secretariat has consistently reminded members of this through official circulars.