TMC MP Kirti Azad Faces Heat After E-Cigarette Video Goes Viral in Lok Sabha

New Delhi: Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kirti Azad is under scrutiny after a video allegedly showing him vaping an e-cigarette inside the Lok Sabha went viral. The controversy has intensified as the TMC appears to distance itself from the MP, indicating that he may not receive the same support previously extended to other party members in similar controversies. The next steps now lie with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who has signaled strict action against any breach of parliamentary conduct.

Speaker Signals Disciplinary Action
The video, which shows smoke rising in the Lok Sabha chamber on 11 December, was first raised during Zero Hour by BJP MP Anurag Thakur, who requested the Speaker to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the TMC member for violating parliamentary norms. Thakur subsequently filed a written complaint describing the incident in detail. Speaker Birla assured that a formal complaint would trigger appropriate action.

Responding to questions in the House, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee stated that if credible and complete video evidence substantiates the claims, the party would take suitable action. “We do not condone such behavior. The Parliament is not a place for smoking. We respect the dignity and rules of the House,” he added.

E-Cigarettes and the Law
The incident coincided with a discussion in the Rajya Sabha regarding e-cigarettes. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai highlighted the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019 (PECA), which bans the production, import, export, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement of e-cigarettes. While the law criminalizes the manufacture and sale of e-cigarettes, it does not technically penalize usage inside Parliament.

Potential Disciplinary Consequences
Although PECA may not directly criminalize vaping in the House, MPs are expected to uphold the dignity and decorum of Parliament. Under Lok Sabha rules, any member found guilty of misconduct can face disciplinary measures, including suspension for a specified period. Speaker Birla also has the option to refer the matter to the Ethics Committee, which can conduct a detailed inquiry and recommend stringent action.

As the video continues to circulate, the parliamentary conduct of Kirti Azad remains under intense scrutiny, with potential consequences that could impact his position and reputation.