The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has escalated its accusations against Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kirti Azad, releasing a video purportedly showing him "vaping" inside the Parliament. This action follows a formal complaint lodged by BJP MP Anurag Thakur with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, alleging that Azad had been repeatedly using an e-cigarette in the Lok Sabha.

The BJP's IT cell head, Amit Malviya, shared the video on X, stating that Azad was the TMC MP accused by Thakur. Malviya condemned Azad's alleged behavior as a "brazen violation of parliamentary norms," highlighting the "audacity" of concealing an e-cigarette in his palm while in the House. He further added that such actions display a disregard for rules and laws, and called for clarification from Mamata Banerjee regarding her MP's conduct.

Anurag Thakur's complaint to Speaker Birla requests a thorough inquiry, disciplinary proceedings, and "exemplary action" against Azad. Thakur initially raised the issue during Question Hour, prompting the Speaker to request a formal complaint to initiate due process. In his written complaint, Thakur stated that the TMC MP was "seen openly using an electronic cigarette while seated in the House," an act visible to several members. He emphasized that such conduct undermines the dignity of the House, sets a "poor precedent," and sends a dangerous message to the youth, especially considering the government's firm stance against tobacco and nicotine products.

Kirti Azad has dismissed the accusations as baseless and a waste of the Lok Sabha's time. He challenged Thakur to provide proof and questioned why he had not named the MP in his initial complaint. Azad also pointed out that Thakur raised the issue during Zero Hour and was reprimanded by the Speaker for wasting time. He sarcastically suggested that if he were to accuse BJP MPs of taking commissions, he would need to provide evidence to support the claim.

The controversy has stirred considerable debate, both inside and outside the Parliament. Union Ministers Giriraj Singh and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat were seen discussing the matter with TMC MP Saugata Roy, with Roy stating that while smoking is prohibited inside the building, it is permissible outside. Shekhawat responded by cautioning about endangering public health.

E-cigarettes are banned in India under the 2019 Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act. The Lok Sabha Secretariat is reportedly taking the matter seriously and will initiate appropriate action based on established norms after reviewing the recordings of the proceedings. The incident has raised concerns about parliamentary decorum and adherence to the law, with the BJP demanding strict action and the TMC dismissing the allegations as unfounded.