AAP’s Sanjay Singh suspended from Rajya Sabha as face-off between Centre, Opposition over Manipur continues

The day began with Opposition MPs staging a protest on Parliament premises seeking a statement by PM Modi on the Manipur issue and ruling BJP MPs staging a counter-protest at the Gandhi Statue over atrocities against women and Dalits in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

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The face-off between the Central government and the Opposition escalated Monday over the latter’s demand for a statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament on the Manipur situation, followed by a discussion. In Rajya Sabha, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar announced the suspension of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh on a motion moved by the government.

The day began with Opposition MPs staging a protest on Parliament premises seeking a statement by PM Modi on the Manipur issue and ruling BJP MPs staging a counter-protest at the Gandhi Statue over atrocities against women and Dalits in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

The Opposition took their protest to the Houses once they assembled at 11 am. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned twice – from 11 am to 12 noon and from 12 noon to 2 pm – amid sloganeering by Opposition members demanding an answer from the Prime Minister.

The Rajya Sabha saw MP Sanjay Singh’s suspension when the House reassembled at 12 noon. As the Opposition members raised slogans, Singh moved closer to the Chairman’s podium prompting Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar to “name” him. “I name Sanjay Singh,” he said.

Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha, Piyush Goyal, then got up and said he would like to move a motion to suspend Singh, saying this “kind of behaviour coming into the Well and disturbing the House is completely against the ethics and rules of the House.” He also urged the Chair to take “necessary action” against Singh. The Chairman asked Goyal to move the motion.

“I move the motion that Mr Sanjay Singh who has been named by the Chair be hereby suspended for the rest of the duration of session…until the last day of this current session,” Goyal said.

The Chairman put the motion to vote amid the ruckus. “The motion is that Sanjay Singh is suspended for the entire duration of this session for having repeatedly violated that directive of the Chair,” he said, and announced the suspension of Singh amid a loud “yes” by the ruling benches and an uproarious ‘no” by the Opposition.

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When the Rajya Sabha assembled in the afternoon, Deputy Chairman Harivansh asked Sanjay Singh to withdraw from the House since he had been suspended. Amid protests by Opposition members, the House was adjourned for an hour.

Manoj C.G

Manoj C G currently serves as the Chief of National Political Bureau at The Indian Express. A veteran journalist with a career spanning nearly two decades, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the publication's coverage of India's political landscape. Experience & Career: Manoj has built a robust career in political journalism, marked by a transition from wire service reporting to in-depth newspaper analysis. The Indian Express (2008 – Present): He joined the organization in 2008 and has risen to lead the National Political Bureau, overseeing key political coverage. Press Trust of India (PTI): Prior to his tenure at The Indian Express, Manoj worked with India’s premier news agency, PTI, honing his skills in breaking news and accurate reporting. Expertise & Focus Areas: As a seasoned political observer, Manoj focuses on the nuances of governance and party dynamics. National Politics: extensive reporting on the central government, parliamentary affairs, and national elections. Political Strategy: Deep analysis of party structures, coalition politics, and the shifting ideologies within the Indian political spectrum. Bureau Leadership: directing a team of reporters to cover the most critical developments in the nation's capital. Authoritativeness & Trust: Manoj’s authoritativeness is grounded in his nearly 20 years of field experience and his leadership role at a legacy newspaper. His long-standing association with The Indian Express underscores a reputation for consistency, editorial integrity, and rigorous reporting standards required of a Bureau Chief. Find all stories by Manoj C G here. ... Read More