AAP MP Raghav Chadha Suspended from Rajya Sabha Over Naming Controversy

NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament (MP) Raghav Chadha has been suspended from the Rajya Sabha following allegations of a "breach of privilege." This suspension was prompted by complaints from four fellow MPs who claimed that Chadha had included their names in a house panel motion without their consent, a violation of parliamentary rules.

In response to these allegations, a resolution was passed by the upper house, led by Piyush Goyal, the leader of the house, calling for Chadha's suspension until the privileges committee concludes its investigation into the breach of privilege cases. Goyal criticized Chadha's actions as "unethical conduct" and a clear "outrageous disregard of the rules."

The complaints were raised by MPs Sasmit Patra, S Phangnon Konyak, M Thambidurai, and Narhari Amin. They accused Chadha of breaching their privileges by including their names without their permission in a motion presented on August 7. Piyush Goyal emphasized that all six members involved were seeking justice for the alleged breach.

Chadha's proposed motion was to establish a Select Committee to deliberate on the 'Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023.' This motion included the names of the four complaining MPs. Chadha defended his actions by explaining that proposing names for a select committee doesn't require signatures or written consent.

Additionally, AAP MP Sanjay Singh, whose suspension was already in place, had his suspension extended until the privilege committee resolves the complaints against him. This extension was due to Singh's refusal to leave the chamber, resulting in the disruption of parliamentary proceedings. Piyush Goyal criticized Singh's defiance and lack of remorse.

Chadha, in his defense, dismissed the charges as a targeting tactic by the ruling party. He challenged BJP leaders to provide evidence of him forging anyone's signature, asserting that the allegations were part of a misinformation campaign against him.

The controversial bill in question, which aims to regulate bureaucrats in the national capital, has already been approved by the Parliament. Chadha's argument centered on the fact that proposing names for a select committee doesn't involve signatures or written consent, making forgery claims irrelevant.

In conclusion, AAP MP Raghav Chadha's suspension from the Rajya Sabha highlights the clash between parliamentary rules and political tactics. The allegations of breach of privilege against him, involving the naming of fellow MPs without consent, have sparked a heated debate about the manipulation of parliamentary processes for political gains.

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