Sonia Gandhi directs protest: Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary suspended for repeated misconduct

Opposition leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury was suspended from the House for "repeated misconduct", while PM Modi addressing the House on No Confidence Motion, till an investigation by the privileges committee.

Congress leader and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi was on Thursday seen directing the protest by Members of Parliament of Opposition parties as Prime Minister Narendra Modi was speaking in the Lok Sabha. The opposition MPs chanted 'India' and 'Manipur' in unison after being prompted by her.

Not only Congress MPs, Sonia Gandhi was seen directing members even from other parties during PM Modi's response to the no-confidence motion moved against his government.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi moved a resolution for Chowdhury's suspension, saying he "disturbs the House" whenever Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ministers speak or a debate is going on. The resolution was passed by a voice vote.

Later, speaking to reporters, Chowdhury said he had not insulted PM Modi.

Referring to his "now we know Nirav Modi in the form of Narendra Modi" remark, Adhir Ranjan said, "Modi ji is sitting 'Nirav', which means he is silent, on the Manipur issue. 'Nirav' means to be silent. My intention was not to insult PM Modi."