Lok Sabha Leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury Suspended for alleged Verbal Attack on PM Modi

New Delhi, August 11, 2023: In an unprecedented move, Congress’s leader in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, faced suspension from the House today due to alleged attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and disruption of parliamentary proceedings.

This marks the first time the leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha has faced a suspension order. The motion for Chowdhury’s suspension was initiated by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi.

The motion, adopted by voice vote, stated, “This House having taken the serious note of the gross, deliberate and repeated misconduct of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury in utter disregard to the House and authority of Chair resolves that the matter of his misconduct be referred to Committee of Privileges of the House for the further investigation and report to the House and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury be suspended from the service of the House till the Committee submits its report.”

Chowdhury later clarified his intention, stating, “Modi ji is sitting ‘nirav’ on Manipur issue, which means sitting silent. ‘Nirav’ means to be silent. My intention was not to insult Prime Minister Modi… Prime Minister Modi did not feel that he was insulted, his darbaris (courtiers) felt so and brought this proposal against me.”

The Congress has criticized the suspension as “undemocratic.” Congress whip in Lok Sabha Manickam Tagore expressed disbelief, saying, “First time for speaking against Modi, largest opposition (party) leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury suspended. Unbelievable. Undemocratic. Condemn the autocracy.”

Earlier in the day, Chowdhury’s remark targeting Prime Minister Modi was expunged from the proceedings following objections from BJP members. The Speaker later remarked that the conduct of two members, including Chowdhury, had breached decorum.