'E-Cigarettes Banned': Anurag Thakur Alleges TMC MP Vaping In Lok Sabha, Speaker Takes Note

Last Updated:December 11, 2025, 12:44 IST

Anurag Thakur alleged in the Lok Sabha that a TMC member had been using an e-cigarette inside the House, prompting Speaker Om Birla to assert that no such permission exists.

BJP MP Anurag Thakur speaks in the Lok Sabha (Photo: PTI)

The Lok Sabha on Thursday briefly descended into uproar after BJP MP Anurag Thakur alleged that a Trinamool Congress member had been using an e-cigarette inside the House, a practice he said violated not only parliamentary decorum but also national law.

Speaker Om Birla intervened to assert that no such permission had ever been granted and said he would take “strict action" if a written complaint was filed and the allegation was confirmed.

The matter surfaced during Question Hour when Thakur rose to ask and shifted attention to what he described as a repeated breach of House rules.

Seeking clarity from the Speaker, he said he wanted the entire House to be aware of the issue.

“Sir, I have a question for the Sadan. Sir, e-cigarettes have been banned in the whole country. Have you allowed it in the Sadan?" Anurag Thakur said.

“No, no one is allowing it," the Speaker responded.

“Sir, have you checked it? Some of the TMC MPs are smoking it, Thakur said.

Acknowledging the demands for disciplinary measures, Birla reiterated that the rules of conduct apply uniformly to all MPs and insisted that any formal complaint would be examined seriously. He also urged members to maintain the dignity of the House.

“I request all the members of Parliament to follow the rules and regulations of the Constitution. If any Member of Parliament comes to me with any such issue, I will definitely take action on it," Om Birla said.

Thakur’s charge sparked immediate reactions from BJP MPs, who rose to demand action against the unnamed opposition member.

The allegation added to the already tense political climate inside the Lower House, leading to brief disruptions.

Later, BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari took to X and posted, “Is it the Cigar Smoking TMC MP yet again??"

“The MP should be punished as per the COTPA Act 2003! TMC should answer & be open to an investigation! This is a disrespect to the institution of Parliament: Temple of Democracy! Silence of Rahul Gandhi & others speaks about their approval!" he mentioned.

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