Everything You Need to Know About Latest Events Kirti Azad Vaping Controversy

In a shocking development that has rocked the Indian Parliament, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kirti Azad, the former Indian cricketer and 1983 World Cup hero, has been accused of vaping inside the Lok Sabha.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released a video clip on December 17, 2025, alleging that Azad was using an e-cigarette during parliamentary proceedings, sparking a major political row.

This Kirti Azad vaping controversy has raised questions about parliamentary decorum, especially since e-cigarettes are banned in India.

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the ruling BJP and opposition parties during the Winter Session of Parliament. As the controversy unfolds, let’s delve into the details, Kirti Azad’s background, and the broader implications.

The Vaping Allegation: What Happened in Parliament?

The controversy began when BJP MP Anurag Thakur raised the issue in the Lok Sabha, complaining to Speaker Om Birla about a TMC lawmaker allegedly smoking an e-cigarette inside the House.

Thakur did not name the MP initially but emphasized that such actions violate rules and set a poor example.On December 17, 2025, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya shared a 35-second video on social media, identifying the individual as Kirti Azad. In the clip, Azad is seen bringing his cupped hand to his mouth multiple times, which the BJP claims is him discreetly vaping.

Malviya captioned it: “Imagine the audacity, hiding an e-cigarette in his palm while in the House!”The BJP has called the act “unacceptable” and demanded clarification from TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee. E-cigarettes were banned in India in 2019 under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, making possession or use illegal in public spaces, including Parliament.

TMC leaders, including Abhishek Banerjee, have responded cautiously, stating the party will take action only if “credible and complete video evidence” emerges. Earlier, when the allegation was unnamed, Azad himself questioned the claims, asking, “Who is going to verify this?”This Kirti Azad Parliament vaping row has dominated headlines, with debates on social media and news channels about parliamentary etiquette and political mudslinging.

Who is Kirti Azad? From Cricket Legend to Political Figure

Kirti Azad, born on January 2, 1959, in Purnea, Bihar, is a multifaceted personality known for his contributions to Indian cricket and politics.

Son of former Bihar Chief Minister Bhagwat Jha Azad, he rose to fame as a key member of the Indian team that won the 1983 Cricket World Cup under Kapil Dev’s captaincy.An aggressive right-handed batsman and off-spinner, Azad played 7 Test matches and 25 ODIs for India between 1980 and 1986.

His standout moment came in the 1983 World Cup semi-final against England, where he dismissed Ian Botham and helped restrict the hosts. Though his international career was brief, he was a domestic stalwart for Delhi, scoring over 4,800 runs and taking 162 wickets in Ranji Trophy.After retiring from cricket, Azad entered politics, following in his father’s footsteps.

He started with the BJP, winning Lok Sabha seats from Darbhanga in Bihar multiple times. However, in 2015, he was suspended from the BJP for alleging corruption in the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), then headed by Arun Jaitley.Azad joined Congress in 2019 but switched to TMC in 2021.

He contested and won from Bardhaman-Durgapur in West Bengal in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, becoming a vocal TMC MP.

Political Career Highlights and Controversies

Kirti Azad’s political journey has been eventful:

• BJP Era (1990s-2015): Elected MLA from Delhi’s Gole Market in 1993, then MP from Darbhanga in 1999 and 2014.
• DDCA Corruption Allegations: His bold stand against alleged irregularities led to his suspension from BJP.
• Congress and TMC Switch: Joined Congress briefly, then TMC, where he has been active in opposing central policies on funds for West Bengal.

Azad is married to Poonam Azad, a former politician, and has two sons who played age-group cricket.This latest Kirti Azad vaping in Lok Sabha allegation adds to his list of controversies, shifting focus from his cricketing legacy to political conduct.

Broader Implications: Parliamentary Decorum and E-Cigarette Ban

The incident has reignited discussions on rules in Parliament. Smoking has long been prohibited inside the Lok Sabha, and the 2019 e-cigarette ban extends to all forms of vaping devices.

Critics argue that such acts undermine the sanctity of the “temple of democracy.” Supporters of Azad claim the video is inconclusive—no visible device or vapor is seen—and accuse the BJP of deflection tactics amid ongoing sessions.As of December 18, 2025, no official action has been taken by the Speaker, but the row continues to fuel partisan debates.

Reactions and Latest Updates on Kirti Azad Controversy

• BJP: Demands apology from Mamata Banerjee and strict action.
• TMC: Seeks full video proof; Azad earlier dismissed similar unnamed allegations.
• Public Reaction: Mixed, with some recalling Azad’s 1983 heroics and others criticizing the alleged breach.

This Kirti Azad news 2025 story is developing, with potential repercussions for TMC’s image ahead of future elections.Kirti Azad’s journey from lifting the 1983 World Cup to facing a vaping scandal in Parliament encapsulates the highs and lows of public life in India.

As a cricketer, he remains an icon; as a politician, controversies like this test his resilience. Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding saga.