Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of a security lapse in Parliament on Wednesday. Tharoor alleges that a sitting member of the ruling party (BJP) may have sponsored the invaders responsible for breaching security protocols.
During the Zero Hour, commemorating the 22nd anniversary of the Parliament terror assault, two attackers managed to break into the Lok Sabha chamber through the guest gallery, leading to a significant security breach.
"The fact is that these people (intruders) were apparently sponsored by a sitting MP of the ruling party...These people smuggled in smoke pistols, which shows there is a serious security lapse. Not only did they fire the pistols but also shouted some slogans inaudible to some of us. The new building does not seem to be configured very well when it comes to security in comparison with the arrangements in the old building," said the MP from Kerala.
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"I do believe that the matter is serious enough that the Home Minister may want to explain to the nation about the security lapses and security arrangements," Tharoor added.
Other opposition parties also accused the BJP of inadequate configuration in the new parliament building.
The lower house stopped proceedings soon after the incident but resumed business about an hour later.
Speaker Om Birla told members that investigations had found that the smoke released by the man was "ordinary smoke, just to cause sensation". Two people were arrested from inside the building and two from outside the complex, he said.
