Pratap Simha, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP representing Mysuru in Karnataka, found himself at the center of a major security breach in the Lok Sabha on December 7th, 2023. Two individuals, who allegedly jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber during proceedings, were found to be holding visitor passes issued under Simha’s name. This incident sparked outrage and raised questions about security protocols within the Parliament complex.
Who is Pratap Simha?
- A prominent figure in the BJP, Simha served as the President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) in Karnataka before entering politics.
- Elected as MP from Mysuru in 2014, he retained his seat in the 2019 elections with an increased vote share.
- Simha is known for his strong Hindutva ideology and has been a vocal critic of the opposition. He is also a writer and has authored a biography of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Pass Controversy:
- Two individuals, Sagar Sharma and Aakash Sharma, were apprehended after jumping into the Lok Sabha chamber during Question Hour.
- Investigation revealed that both men were holding visitor passes issued under Pratap Simha’s name.
- Simha initially denied any knowledge of the individuals, but later admitted that Sagar Sharma was a constituent from Mysuru and had visited his office on several occasions.
- Opposition parties demanded Simha’s resignation, accusing him of a security lapse.
What Simha Said:
- Simha clarified that he had issued the pass to Sagar Sharma based on his request to visit Parliament and witness the proceedings.
- He claimed that he was unaware of Aakash Sharma and his intentions.
- Simha expressed regret for the incident and assured cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
Current Status:
- The Delhi Police is investigating the matter, and CCTV footage is being analyzed.
- The Lok Sabha Speaker has ordered a security audit to prevent similar incidents in the future.
- Simha faces criticism from both opposition parties and some within his own party.
This is a developing story, and it’s important to stay updated on the latest information. As the investigation progresses, more details may emerge that could further impact Simha’s position and the overall security protocols within the Parliament complex.