Recently, Rahul Gandhi has been embroiled in controversy over eating tea and biscuits on the steps of Parliament. Now, ex-servicemen and other senior officers have demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi for this act. A formal letter has also been issued in this regard. The letter said that the Parliament of India holds a unique and high position within our constitutional framework. The dignity of Parliament is not merely a matter of tradition, but is an essential element of the constitutional ethos that governs our democracy. The sanctity attached to the chambers of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha applies equally to all areas of the parliamentary complex; This includes stairs, corridors and lobbies. These are not mere incidental spaces, but integral parts of Parliament, and the conduct expected within them should reflect the dignity of the institution.
gross disregard for parliamentary rights
The letter further states that, in this context, the events that took place on March 12 are extremely worrying. Despite explicit restrictions on demonstrations or protests within the parliamentary complex, the opposition—led by Rahul Gandhi—violated this directive. This is not only a procedural violation, but it also shows blatant disregard for parliamentary authority and a willingness to prioritize personal political gimmickry over the dignity of a constitutional institution. Rahul Gandhi, along with several other MPs, was seen eating tea and biscuits on the steps of Parliament—an act that is completely unbecoming of members of the country’s highest legislative body.
The stairs of Parliament are not a stage for a show
In their letter, the ex-servicemen have said that the steps of Parliament are not a stage for political spectacle. Such conduct within the parliamentary premises shows a clear disregard for the norms of decorum. Sadly, Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly lowered the standards of public discourse and propriety through dramatic postures—both inside and outside Parliament. Rahul Gandhi should apologize to the nation for this conduct and introspect on the mentality that gave rise to it, so that the dignity, authority and institutional sanctity of Parliament is completely protected.
