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Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha has been suspended from the Rajya Sabha due to accusations of "breach of privilege" by four fellow MPs. The complainants asserted that Chadha had mentioned their names in a house panel without their consent, a violation of the rules. The upper house adopted a resolution put forth by Piyush Goyal, leader of the house, to suspend Chadha until the privileges committee concludes its investigation into the breach of privilege cases. Goyal criticized Chadha's actions as "unethical conduct" and a blatant disregard for the established rules.

Accusations of Breach of Privilege and Suspension

Four MPs, namely Sasmit Patra, S Phangnon Konyak, M Thambidurai, and Narhari Amin, lodged complaints against Raghav Chadha for allegedly breaching their privilege. They claimed that Chadha had included their names without their consent while moving a motion on August 7, which contravened the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business. Piyush Goyal expressed that all six members were deeply perturbed and aggrieved, and he asserted that the government had constructed a compelling case.

Chadha's Defense and Extended Suspension

Raghav Chadha challenged the accusations and contended that he had not forged anyone's signature. He noted that his proposal for the constitution of a Select Committee to consider the 'Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023' had included the names of the four MPs. Additionally, Sanjay Singh, another AAP MP, had his suspension period extended as well, pending the privilege committee's verdict on complaints against him. Goyal highlighted Singh's defiance and refusal to leave the chamber, leading to the disruption of the house proceedings.

Chadha Counters Accusations and Clarifies Position

Raghav Chadha defended himself against the allegations, asserting that his inclusion of MPs' names for a select committee did not necessitate their signatures or written consent. He clarified that when a member seeks an extended discussion on a controversial bill before voting, proposing names for a select committee is routine. MPs can opt out if they wish, and signatures are not involved in this process. Chadha denounced the misinformation campaign against him and claimed that his stance challenged powerful leaders within the ruling party.