In a recent incident that stirred widespread condemnation across the nation, BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri hurled communal slurs at Muslim MP Danish Ali during a session in the Lok Sabha.
The gravity of the matter led to the involvement of the Privileges Committee, which aims to investigate both the complaints against Mr. Bidhuri and Mr. Ali.
This move highlights the committee’s commitment to upholding ethical conduct and maintaining decorum within the Parliament.
Communal Slurs in the Lok Sabha
On September 21, while addressing the Lok Sabha in the new Parliament building, Mr. Bidhuri used objectionable and communal words against Mr. Ali.
Not only did this spark outrage among the opposition and on social media, but it also prompted defense minister Rajnath Singh to apologize in Parliament on behalf of his party MP.
The deplorable remarks made by Mr. Bidhuri brought the issue to the forefront and demanded immediate action.
Several MPs, including those from opposition parties such as the Congress, DMK, Trinamool Congress, and NCP, along with the BSP MP, wrote to Speaker Om Birla, urging him to take punitive action against Mr. Bidhuri.
Additionally, BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey and Ravi Kishan later wrote to the Speaker, accusing Mr. Bidhuri of making objectionable remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In response to these complaints, all matters have been referred to the Privileges Committee for thorough investigation.
Nishikant Dubey, in his letter to the Speaker, condemned Mr. Bidhuri’s language but also requested an investigation into Mr. Ali’s conduct.
He alleged that while Mr. Bidhuri was speaking, Mr. Ali was instigating him and further made a highly objectionable and blasphemous remark against Prime Minister Modi.
In contrast, Mr. Ali denied these allegations and emphasized that his intention was solely to protect the dignity of the post of Prime Minister.
He shared a video that captured the aftermath of Mr. Bidhuri’s outburst, where he expressed shock and questioned the use of the word “terrorist.”
Referral to the Privileges Committee
The decision to refer the matter to the Privileges Committee was announced by Nishikant Dubey, who expressed gratitude to the Speaker for taking this course of action.
In doing so, he took a dig at previous governments for failing to hold errant MPs accountable, citing incidents such as the shoe and mic fight involving RJD-JDU-Congress in 2016, Sonia Gandhi’s assault in 2012, and the fistfight during the formation of Telangana in 2014.
By referring to these instances, Mr. Dubey underscored the significance of the Privileges Committee’s investigation.
The BJP, prior to the incident, had issued a notice to Mr. Bidhuri for his abusive remarks. However, to the shock and disappointment of many, the party appointed him to lead their poll campaign in Rajasthan’s Tonk district.
Independent MP Kapil Sibal criticized the BJP for rewarding hate, while Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra questioned the decision, illustrating how such actions undermine the party’s efforts to foster inclusivity and outreach.
The involvement of the Privileges Committee in investigating communal slurs within the Parliament showcases an unwavering commitment to upholding ethical conduct and maintaining decorum.
By addressing complaints against both Mr. Bidhuri and Mr. Ali, the committee seeks to ensure fairness and unbiased proceedings.
