A political controversy erupted during the Winter Session of Parliament after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged that Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kirti Azad was vaping inside the Lok Sabha, raising serious questions about parliamentary decorum and adherence to House rules.

The row began after BJP leader Amit Malviya shared a 35-second video clip on social media platform X, claiming it showed Kirti Azad using an e-cigarette inside the Lok Sabha chamber. In the video, Azad is seen bringing his cupped right hand close to his mouth and holding it there briefly, which BJP leaders interpreted as a vaping gesture.

However, the video does not clearly show a cigarette, e-cigarette or visible smoke, and the authenticity of the footage could not be independently verified. Despite this, BJP leaders have maintained that the act amounts to a violation of parliamentary conduct.

The allegation comes days after BJP MP Anurag Thakur raised the issue on the floor of the Lok Sabha, accusing an unnamed TMC lawmaker of using an e-cigarette inside the House over multiple days. At the time, Thakur did not disclose the identity of the MP but sought a formal probe into the matter, calling it a serious breach of parliamentary norms.

In his social media post, Malviya claimed that the unnamed MP referred to by Anurag Thakur was Kirti Azad. He alleged that the former cricketer had concealed an e-cigarette in his palm while seated in the House and criticised what he described as blatant disregard for rules and laws.

“Smoking may not be illegal, but using it in Parliament is entirely unacceptable,” Malviya said, adding that TMC chief Mamata Banerjee must clarify her party MP’s conduct.

The issue briefly disrupted Question Hour in the Lok Sabha last week. Responding to the allegations, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged all members to maintain the dignity and decorum of the House. He assured MPs that appropriate action would be taken if credible information or a formal written complaint was submitted.

While there is no explicit public confirmation on whether vaping is separately mentioned in parliamentary rulebooks, smoking inside the Lok Sabha chamber is prohibited, and any behaviour undermining decorum is treated seriously. The incident has therefore reignited debate around acceptable conduct of lawmakers, evolving forms of tobacco use such as e-cigarettes, and accountability within India’s highest legislative body.

As political sparring between the BJP and TMC continues, the matter now hinges on whether a formal inquiry is initiated and how parliamentary authorities interpret the alleged act under existing rules. The controversy underscores the heightened scrutiny on lawmakers’ behaviour and the importance of maintaining institutional dignity within Parliament.

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