The Rajya Sabha was filled with tension when BJP’s C. Sadanandan Master, a nominated member, presented the Motion of Thanks on President Droupadi Murmu’s address. This action sparked protests from opposition members, especially those from the CPI(M).
Master, a former teacher from Kerala and a BJP leader, who had lost both legs in a politically motivated attack in 1994, placed his prosthetic limbs on the table as he addressed the House. He directly criticized the CPI(M), recalling an attack on him 31 years ago and accusing them of prioritizing political violence over democratic principles.
The BJP member highlighted the importance of democracy and condemned political violence, emphasizing that such actions harm the country’s democratic foundation. He recounted the brutal incident from three decades ago when he was ambushed and had his legs severed below the knees by assailants shouting slogans during the assault.
In response to Master’s display of prosthetics, CPI(M) MP John Brittas raised an objection, citing rules against exhibiting items in the House. Despite this, protests from the opposition members continued, leading to disruptions in the proceedings temporarily. The discussion on the Motion of Thanks, which has been allotted 16 hours in the Rajya Sabha during the Budget Session, is ongoing amidst a charged atmosphere.
