Parliament Breach: Rajnath Singh Cautions MPs On Issuing Visitor Passes, Opposition Demands Punishment For Pratap Simha

In the first from the government after the security breach in Parliament yesterday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday (14 December) urged all Members of Parliament not to issue entry passes to those who can create an anarchic situation in the House.

His statement comes after two individuals infiltrated the Lok Sabha during Zero Hour and discharged a yellow gas, causing significant alarm. The opposition had been calling for a statement from either Prime Minister Modi or Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Hindustan Times reported.

"Undoubtedly, the incident is unfortunate. You, as the Speaker, promptly initiated an investigation into the matter. All Members of Parliament, from both the government and the opposition, must exercise caution to prevent issuing passes to individuals who could potentially instigate such chaotic circumstances in the House," Singh said.

He added, "I want to bring to notice that in our old parliament building also, these kinds of events have taken place. I believe that everyone should condemn this. Probe has already been ordered, hence, I think creating chaos in the house is needless."

This incident involved two men, Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D, who leapt into the Lok Sabha from the visitors' gallery, their entry passes bearing the name of BJP MP Pratap Simha.

The Home Ministry initiated an investigation following a security breach in the Lok Sabha, resulting in the suspension of eight staff members who were on duty at the time. Five individuals have since been apprehended and are facing serious charges under the UAPA anti-terror laws.

Jairam Ramesh, a Congress MP, stated that the INDI Alliance parties are calling for a comprehensive statement from the home minister in both houses. They also demand severe punishment for BJP MP Pratam Simha, whose office was responsible for issuing entry passes to the two trespassers.