In a shocking turn of events in the hallowed halls of the Lok Sabha, a storm of controversy has erupted over highly offensive remarks made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ramesh Bidhuri. The incident occurred during a discussion on the Chandrayaan-3 mission, prompting swift reactions and calls for strict action from various quarters.
The offensive remarks
During the parliamentary discussion, Ramesh Bidhuri allegedly directed objectionable language towards Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) member Danish Ali. The derogatory comments not only stunned fellow parliamentarians but also ignited a firestorm of condemnation from across the political spectrum.
On September 21, 2023, it was the fourth day of a special session at the New Parliament. The topic of discussion for that day was the success of Chandrayan-3. At 10:52 PM, the session’s speaker was Suresh from the Congress party. During that time, BJP MP Ramesh Biduri began discussing Chandrayan-3. For the first 107 seconds, he focused on Chandrayan-3, after which he directed harsh language towards Loksabha MP Danish Ali, using 11 vulgar terms in the span of one minute
Last night during the Lok Sabha session, BJP Member of Parliament @rameshbidhuri used derogatory language when referring to MP Danish Ali, using offensive terms such as “Bharwa” (pimp), “Katwa” (circumcised), “Mullah Atankwadi” (terrorist), and “Mullah Ugrawadi” (extremist). Many are calling for action from the Speaker of the House @ombirlakota, Prime Minister @narendramodi, and BJP President @JPNadda. They are also urging the media to take notice.
Political Outcry
The Congress party, led by General Secretary Jairam Ramesh, wasted no time in denouncing Bidhuri’s remarks as an affront to the dignity of Parliament and its members. Rajnath Singh, the Defence Minister and a senior member of the ruling party, issued an apology in Lok Sabha 2. However, this apology was met with criticism, with many considering it insufficient.
Jairam Ramesh declared the apology a “mere eyewash” and called for the strongest possible action against Bidhuri. He emphasised that the offensive language used by the BJP MP tarnished the image of Parliament and undermined the principles of inclusive governance that the government claims to uphold.
Calls for Suspension
The controversy has led to demands for Ramesh Bidhuri’s immediate suspension from the Lok Sabha. Jairam Ramesh insisted that such language should have no place in or outside of Parliament and that Bidhuri’s comments were an insult not only to Danish Ali but to all MPs and every Indian citizen.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, taking a stern stance, issued a warning to Bidhuri about the possibility of strict action if such behavior were to be repeated in the future.
Reaction Across Party Lines
The outrage transcended party lines, with leaders from different political backgrounds condemning Bidhuri’s comments. Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra urged action against Bidhuri and questioned the BJP’s culture, alleging that abusing certain communities was a part of it. Moitra’s call for action against Bidhuri gained traction on social media.
The offensive remarks by Ramesh Bidhuri in the Lok Sabha have not only ignited a political firestorm but also raised questions about the standards of decorum and respect within the Indian Parliament. While an apology was offered, it remains a contentious issue, with many demanding severe consequences for such behavior. The incident underscores the need for maintaining the dignity and integrity of India’s parliamentary institutions, regardless of political affiliations.