Sadanandan Master Makes Dramatic Statement in Rajya Sabha, Shares 31-Year-Old Attack Story

Thiruvananthapuram/New Delhi: A dramatic moment unfolded in the Rajya Sabha on Monday during a 16-hour debate on the President’s address, when nominated BJP MP C. Sadanandan Master recounted a 31-year-old politically motivated attack on him. During his speech, he placed his prosthetic leg on the table to emphasize the brutality of the incident, drawing both attention and protest in the House.

Highlighting Political Violence

C. Sadanandan Master, a nominated member from Kerala, criticized the CPM while narrating his ordeal. “Those who now claim to uphold democracy in Parliament were the ones who attacked me 31 years ago,” he said, adding that the commitment of such parties lies not in democratic values but in political violence.

Prosthetic Leg Sparks Point of Order

The 1994 attack left Master’s legs amputated below the knees after alleged leftist supporters assaulted him for his association with the RSS. Courts later convicted the attackers. During Monday’s session, when Master placed his prosthetic leg on the table while addressing the House, CPM MP John Brittas raised a point of order, citing rules against displaying prosthetic limbs in Parliament. Several other MPs supported the objection. Presiding officer CP Radhakrishnan assured that Master would be asked to place the prosthetic leg down, while noting that the MP was illustrating why he had to speak seated.

The 31-Year-Old Attack

Master recounted that he was returning home with his uncle for his sister’s wedding when the attackers surrounded him, beat him, and severed both his legs below the knees. The assailants reportedly shouted “Inquilab Zindabad” during the assault. Master emphasized that such acts of political violence harm democratic values and are detrimental to the country’s political culture.

Despite the grim personal history, Master praised the President’s address for highlighting Amrit Kaal, India’s development, and women’s empowerment efforts.