Anurag Thakur / E-Cigarette Controversy Rocks Lok Sabha: Anurag Thakur Accuses TMC MP Member, Speaker Assures Action

The winter session of Parliament is currently in full swing, marked by discussions on crucial national issues alongside a flurry of political accusations and counter-accusations. Amidst this, an unexpected incident unfolded in the Lok Sabha today, Thursday, when senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament and former Union Minister Anurag Thakur leveled a serious allegation against a Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP for allegedly using an e-cigarette inside the House. This accusation immediately sparked a new debate within the Parliament, raising questions about parliamentary decorum and the conduct of its members.

Serious Allegation of E-Cigarette Use

BJP MP Anurag Thakur, without naming any specific member, claimed in the Lok Sabha that a TMC MP was consuming an e-cigarette inside the House. This allegation is profoundly serious, as the Parliament House is considered the nation's supreme legislative body, where members are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct and decorum. The use of e-cigarettes, particularly in public and restricted areas, is generally considered a violation of both health regulations and established rules. Thakur's accusation instantly captured the attention of the House, demanding an immediate response to the issue.

Speaker Om Birla's Firm Stance

Upon receiving the allegation from Anurag Thakur, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla promptly took cognizance and issued his response. Speaker Birla unequivocally stated that there is no tradition or rule in Parliament that permits any MP to use e-cigarettes. He emphasized that if any such matter comes to his notice, appropriate and strict action will certainly be taken. The Speaker's statement underscores his commitment to parliamentary rules and decorum, sending a clear message that no form of indiscipline will be tolerated within the House. This is a crucial step in maintaining parliamentary dignity.

TMC's Counter-Attack by Dola Sen

In response to the BJP MP's allegations, Trinamool Congress MP Dola Sen reacted sharply. Dola Sen dismissed Anurag Thakur's accusations, stating that 'those whose job it's to monitor will do so. ' She further added that provisions for any indiscipline are already in place within Parliament, while dola Sen also remarked that 'Anurag Thakur isn't a guru whose words we must obey. ' This statement indicates that the TMC views this accusation as politically motivated and isn't prepared to take it seriously, instead considering it part of political rhetoric.

Debate on Parliamentary Conduct and Decorum

This incident ignites a broader debate concerning the conduct and decorum of members within Parliament. Parliament isn't merely a place for lawmaking; it's also a symbol of the nation's democratic values and ideals. Because of this, any form of indiscipline or violation of rules by members can undermine the dignity of the House, while the e-cigarette issue, though seemingly minor, is part of a larger picture concerning adherence to rules and personal conduct within the parliamentary complex. This incident also highlights how political parties often work with such issues for mutual accusations and counter-accusations.

Rahul Gandhi Targets Amit Shah's Speech

On the same day, in another significant development within the Parliament premises, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi made sharp remarks regarding Union Home Minister Amit Shah's speech delivered in Parliament yesterday. Rahul Gandhi stated that 'Amit Shah was nervous yesterday, he used wrong language. ' He further added that 'his hands were trembling' during the speech, suggesting that he was 'under mental pressure, while ' Rahul Gandhi's comments highlight the ongoing political tug-of-war and personal attacks prevalent within Parliament.

Challenge and Lack of Response

Rahul Gandhi also alleged that Amit Shah didn't address the issues he had raised nor did he provide any evidence. He said, 'I challenged him yesterday to come to the House and discuss my press conference, but there was no response. ' This statement reflects the ideological and political battle ongoing between the Congress and the BJP, where both parties are attempting to attack each other and justify their statements, while such rhetoric is common during parliamentary sessions, but it also points to the increasing polarization in the country's politics. In summary, Thursday witnessed several significant events in Parliament, including the e-cigarette accusation and the opposition's sharp reaction to the Home Minister's speech. These incidents not only reflect the dynamics of parliamentary proceedings but also underscore the deep divisions and competitive rhetoric prevailing in the nation's political landscape.

#WATCH | Delhi | On Union Home Minister Amit Shah's speech in the Parliament yesterday, Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi says, "Amit Shah ji was very nervous yesterday. He used the wrong language, his hands were trembling... He is under tremendous mental pressure.… pic.twitter.com/O7rXBMAzBu

— ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2025