204 ex-bureaucrats, lawyers demand Rahul Gandhi's apology over tea incident
What's the story
A group of 204 former bureaucrats, military officers and lawyers have demanded an apology from the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. The demand comes after Gandhi was seen having tea and biscuits at the Makar Dwar entrance to Parliament on March 12. "As citizens who have served this nation for decades...we are deeply pained to witness repeated attempts by Rahul Gandhi and his associates that risk weakening the effectiveness of this temple of democracy," they said.
Criticism voiced
'Despite explicit instruction issued by the Speaker...'
They said Gandhi's behavior in Parliament is not becoming of a Leader of the Opposition and shows a sense of entitlement and arrogance. "Despite the explicit instruction issued by the Speaker prohibiting demonstrations or protests within Parliament premises....Rahul Gandhi chose to disregard this directive. Such a deliberate defiance...does not merely violate procedure; it reflects a conscious disregard for parliamentary authority and a willingness to place personal political theatrics above the dignity of a constitutional institution," the letter said.
Democratic concerns
Letter highlighted that Gandhi's actions are damaging India's reputation
The letter also highlighted that Gandhi's actions were damaging the reputation of India and its democracy. It said, "In his efforts to question the Government of the day, the actions of Rahul Gandhi are damaging the reputation of our country and our democracy." They said the events witnessed reflect a troubling sense of hubris and privilege that has no place in a constitutional democracy. "Rahul Gandhi must apologize to the nation for this behavior," they said.
Parliamentary proceedings
BJP MP Dubey submitted notice to Lok Sabha Speaker
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey has submitted a notice to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla along with a pen drive containing material related to the incident. Dubey stated that such actions "lowered the dignity" of Parliament. The letter was signed by several Armed Forces veterans, including former Chief of Air Staff RKS Bhadauria, former Kerala Chief Secretary Anand Bose, former NIA Director YS Modi, and many former Union Secretaries and ambassadors, including Ashok Sajjanhar.