New Delhi: The Lok Sabha witnessed sharp exchanges on Thursday after BJP MP Anurag Thakur alleged that a Trinamool Congress (TMC) member was using an e-cigarette inside the House, an act prohibited under Indian law.

Raising the issue during Question Hour, Thakur said, “I just want to request something so that the House knows. E-Cigarettes are banned in the country. Have you (Speaker) allowed it in the House? TMC MPs are using e-cigarettes in the House.”

Speaker Om Birla immediately responded, stating that no such permission had been granted. “It has not been permitted. All members are expected to follow the rules. If such things come to light, I will take strict action,” he said.

Following Thakur's allegation, several BJP members demanded action against the unnamed opposition MP. The accusations triggered uproar, prompting the Speaker to call for calm and remind members to maintain the dignity of the House.

Birla further said that he would examine the matter if a formal written complaint was submitted.

E-cigarettes were banned in India in 2019 under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, which outlaws production, sale, import, and use of such devices.