Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Sunday decided to step down from the role of an anchor at the central government-run Sansad TV. Chaturvedi informed her decision today through a letter written to Vice President Venkaiah Naidu. \u201cIt is with great anguish but with a sense of responsibility and through-through this, I wish to inform you that I would like to step down as an anchor for Sansad TV\u2019s show \u2018Meri kahani\u2019\u201d she wrote in the letter. \u201cAfter my arbitrary suspension that has totally disregarded established parliamentary norms and rules to stifle my voice, my party\u2019s voice inside the chamber, I\u2019m unwilling to continue taking space on Sansad TV when my primary oath to the constitution is being denied to me,\u201d Chaturvedi added.<\/p>\n
The opposition has termed the suspension of the MPs as “undemocratic” and in violation of all the rules and procedures of the Rajya Sabha. Expressing her displeasure on the suspension of 12 MPs, including herself from the Upper House, Chaturvedi said that it is something which “has never happened in parliament\u2019s history.” \u201cI believe it is my duty that today the highest number of women MPs have been suspended in the recorded history of Rajya Sabha for an entire session for speaking up for the people of this country then I need to speak up for them and stand in solidarity for them.<\/p>\n
Last week, Priyanka Chaturvedi and 11 other MPs from opposition parties were suspended for the entire winter session of the parliament for their alleged misbehavior during the monsoon session in August this year.<\/p>\n
She also wrote, “Also not to forget 12 MPs being suspended for an entire session for their conduct in the previous session has never happened in parliament\u2019s history,\u201d she said in the letter.<\/p>\n
The suspended MPs include Elamaram Kareem (CPM), Phulo Devi Netam, Chhaya Verma, R Bora, Rajamani Patel, Syed Nasir Hussain and Akhilesh Prasad Singh of the Congress, Binoy Viswam of CPI, Dola Sen and Shanta Chhetri of Trinamool Congress, Priyanka Chaturvedi and Anil Desai from Shiv Sena.<\/p>\n