Sonia Gandhi Summons Congress MPs Meeting Over Adhir Ranjan's Lok Sabha Suspension

Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi, has convened an urgent meeting for today with the party's Lok Sabha members. The objective of the gathering is to address the suspension of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury from the lower house due to what has been termed "repeated misconduct." The meeting is scheduled to take place at 10:30 am in the CPP office located within the Parliament premises.

Pralhad Joshi, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, took the initiative to propose Chowdhury's suspension on Thursday. This action came in response to specific remarks made by the Congress leader during a no-confidence motion debate, which provoked strong reactions from members of the ruling party. The resolution endorsing the suspension was passed via a voice vote.

In response, Chowdhury defended his comments, asserting that he did not intend to insult Prime Minister Modi. He clarified that his use of the term "nirav" to describe the Prime Minister's response to the Manipur issue was not meant as an insult. He pointed out that it was the Prime Minister's supporters who took offense and pushed for his suspension, a matter that has now been referred to the privileges committee.

Congress MP Manish Tewari expressed his dismay over the suspension, branding it as "unfortunate" and a violation of Article 105 (1) of the Indian Constitution. He emphasized the larger implications of such an action on parliamentary democracy and free speech within legislative bodies. Tewari remarked on X that "This is a fit case to challenge the suspension in an appropriate Court of Law."

Manickam Tagore, the Congress whip in Lok Sabha, expressed astonishment over the suspension, particularly noting that it is the first time the leader of the largest opposition party in Lok Sabha has been suspended for criticizing Prime Minister Modi. He condemned the move as undemocratic and an expression of autocratic behavior.

During the parliamentary session, Pralhad Joshi justified Chowdhury's suspension by stating that the Congress leader's behavior had become habitual and regrettable. Despite receiving multiple warnings, his conduct had not improved. Joshi highlighted that Chowdhury consistently made unsubstantiated allegations, demeaned the government's dignity, and never issued apologies. The Minister cited incidents where Chowdhury's remarks had disrupted proceedings, including when the Home Minister was speaking.