E-Cigarette Controversy in Parliament: BJP MP Accuses TMC of Vaping Inside Lok Sabha

 

E-Cigarette Row in Parliament: BJP MP Questions Speaker, Alleges TMC MPs Vaped Inside Lok Sabha

A major controversy erupted in the Lok Sabha on Thursday after BJP MP Anurag Thakur accused Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs of using e-cigarettes inside the Parliament chamber, a practice strictly prohibited under Indian law. The allegation triggered loud protests, heated exchanges and forced the Speaker to intervene.

BJP MP Raises Question During Session

During Question Hour, Anurag Thakur stood up and asked Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla whether e-cigarettes had been officially permitted inside Parliament. He reminded the House that e-cigarettes are banned nationwide, adding that he had witnessed some MPs “repeatedly vaping” during the past few days.

Thakur did not name any specific MP but alleged that TMC members were using vape devices inside the House, which violates both parliamentary rules and national law.

Speaker Om Birla Responds

Speaker Om Birla firmly clarified that no such permission has been granted. He stated that the rules of Parliament clearly prohibit smoking or using any tobacco or nicotine-based device inside the premises.

He further said that if any MP files a written complaint, appropriate action will be taken according to parliamentary procedure.

Tension Inside the House

Thakur’s remarks resulted in strong reactions. BJP members demanded immediate action, while TMC MPs objected to the allegations. The Speaker repeatedly asked members to maintain discipline and reminded them of the dignity of the House.

The issue caused brief interruptions as several MPs engaged in verbal exchanges.

Legal Background: E-Cigarettes Banned Since 2019

The controversy also reopened discussion around India’s strict policy on vaping. Under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, the manufacture, sale, import, advertisement and use of e-cigarettes is completely banned across the country.

Using such devices inside Parliament, which has its own strict no-smoking rules, would be considered a serious violation.

What Happens Next

For now, the Speaker has made it clear that the matter will be examined only after a formal written complaint is submitted. It remains to be seen whether any MP will file such a complaint and whether the Ethics Committee or Privileges Committee will take up the case.

The incident has added another flashpoint to the ongoing Winter Session, which has already seen several heated debates.

Source : Times of India, and other news channel