Archive · 9 Aug 2026
Ramesh recalls 2023 suspension of 146 MPs, warns against repeat
In India, a big group of people called Members of Parliament make laws.
A leader named Jairam Ramesh reminded everyone about what happened in December 2023.
Two people jumped into the Parliament hall from a visitor area, and two others let off colored smoke outside — it was a very serious safety problem.
After that, 146 Members of Parliament were told to leave and could not take part for a while.
With fewer of them there, many important new laws were passed very quickly.
Three new laws replaced old ones about crimes and court rules.
Now Parliament is almost done with its Monsoon Session, and more important bills may be discussed, including one about money from foreign countries and maybe one about changing election areas.
Mr. Ramesh asked all Congress MPs to be present on August 10, 11, and 12.
He said 'history should not repeat itself,' meaning he does not want the same thing to happen again.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh recalled the 2023 mass suspension of 146 MPs and asserted that 'history should not repeat itself.'
On December 13, 2023, two men jumped into the Lok Sabha from the Visitors Gallery and two others set off smoke canisters outside in a severe security breach.
Between December 14-21, 2023, 146 MPs — 100 in the Lok Sabha and 46 in the Rajya Sabha — were suspended, an unprecedented number.
With minimal opposition presence, Parliament passed three criminal law reform bills and the Chief Election Commissioner appointment bill.
The Congress issued three-line whips for August 10-12, 2026, as the FCRA Amendment Bill and a possible delimitation-related Constitution amendment bill may be taken up.
- Who
- Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, chief whip of the Congress in the Rajya Sabha, along with Congress MPs and INDIA bloc allies.
- What
- Recalled the mass suspension of 146 MPs during the 2023 Winter Session and warned that 'history should not repeat itself' as key bills, including the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, are expected in the final week of the Monsoon Session.
- When
- Sunday, August 9, 2026, ahead of the Monsoon Session's final week (August 10-12, 2026).
- Where
- New Delhi, India (Parliament).
- Why
- To ensure opposition MPs remain present, amid concerns that significant legislation could again be passed with minimal opposition presence.
- Statement date
- August 9, 2026
- MPs suspended in 2023
- 146 (100 in Lok Sabha, 46 in Rajya Sabha)
- Suspension period
- December 14-21, 2023
- Security breach
- December 13, 2023 — two men jumped into Lok Sabha from Visitors Gallery; two others set off smoke canisters outside
- Laws passed during suspensions
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (all 2023), and CEC appointment bill
- Upcoming bills
- Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026; possible Constitution amendment bill on delimitation
- Congress whip dates
- August 10-12, 2026
- Majority required
- FCRA Bill: simple majority; Constitution amendment: two-thirds majority