Hundreds of retired bureaucrats and former military officers have accused Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of undermining the dignity and decorum of Parliament. In a joint letter, they demanded an apology from the Congress leader.
The signatories said the conduct of an Opposition leader carries added responsibility. They argued that protest politics inside the Parliament complex crosses a line.
A letter signed by more than 200 former officials
The letter was signed by over 200 retired officials, including former civil servants and ex-servicemen. It questioned Rahul Gandhi’s conduct during recent protests linked to Opposition MPs.
They said the dignity of Parliament must be protected at all times. They also described Parliament as the country’s highest constitutional forum.
March 12 protest cited as a key trigger
The signatories referred to events on March 12, when Opposition MPs reportedly defied Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s directives. They said MPs staged a protest within the Parliament complex despite instructions.
The letter argued that such defiance weakens institutions. It added that the concern becomes sharper when the Leader of Opposition is part of the action.
Tea and biscuits on the stairs draws sharp criticism
The officials also pointed to visuals of Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition MPs sitting on Parliament stairs. They said the group was seen having tea and biscuits there.
In their view, the stairs are not a venue for symbolic activism. They described the act as inappropriate and contrary to parliamentary dignity.
LPG protest near Makar Dwar fuels the political row
The letter also referenced a separate protest near Parliament’s Makar Dwar over LPG concerns. Some Opposition MPs were seen carrying mock brick stoves and raising slogans.
The BJP criticised the demonstration and said Parliament is not a picnic spot. The retired officials echoed the theme, warning against turning the complex into a stage for political theatrics.
Decorum and dissent can coexist, they argue
The signatories acknowledged that questioning the government is a democratic right. However, they said this must not come at the cost of institutional credibility.
They expressed particular concern because Rahul Gandhi holds the constitutional office of Leader of the Opposition.
Call to apologise and introspect
The letter ended with an appeal to Rahul Gandhi to apologise to the nation. It also urged him to reflect on how protests inside and around Parliament affect public discourse.
The retired officials said democratic institutions gain strength when political contest stays within established norms. They warned that symbolic demonstrations in Parliament premises risk doing the opposite.