Amid the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, a sudden new controversy erupted in the Lok Sabha. BJP MP Anurag Thakur alleged that a Trinamool Congress MP was seen using a cigarette within the parliamentary premises. He further stated that he had also submitted a complaint to Speaker Om Birla regarding the incident. During the Question Hour, Anurag raised this issue in the House.
Cigarettes, including e-cigarettes, are banned in the country. Under the 2019 law prohibiting electronic cigarettes, their production, sale, import, export, and advertisements are illegal. However, the TMC MP seemed unfazed by these regulations. Anurag Thakur claimed that she was seen smoking inside the Lok Sabha and questioned whether such an act is permitted within the House. Responding, Speaker Om Birla clarified that there is no rule or convention allowing anyone to smoke inside Parliament. He assured that strict action would be taken and urged all members to maintain decorum. Following this, BJP members immediately demanded action, creating a stir in the House.
आज संसद में-
मुद्दा तो गंभीर है, अनुराग ठाकुर का कहना है की संसद के अंदर एक TMC सांसद e-cigarette पी रहे हैं।
स्पीकर ओम बिरला ने कहा की कारवाही होगी इस पर। pic.twitter.com/7Acfrnvz7E— Aishwarya Paliwal (@AishPaliwal) December 11, 2025
According to social media reports, TMC MP Mahua Moitra is alleged to have used an e-cigarette. This incident comes after another uproar in the Lok Sabha the previous day over allegations of “vote theft.” Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and Home Minister Amit Shah engaged in a heated exchange during discussions on the Special Intensive Review (SIR) of voter lists and claims of vote manipulation. Amit Shah alleged that Congress lost elections in Bihar due to poor leadership, not vote theft, while Rahul Gandhi challenged him, stating he was ready to discuss his claims of “vote theft” in three press conferences.