The signatories, in an open letter, said Mr. Gandhi’s actions on March 12 were in “deliberate defiance of the Chair”, and showed disregard for parliamentary authority. They said the Opposition led by Mr. Gandhi disregarded the Speaker’s explicit instructions. The signatories alleged that Mr. Gandhi and other MPs organised a protest on the steps of Parliament despite the Speaker’s direction against any such demonstration within the premises. The steps of Parliament are not a venue for spectacle or political theatre,” they said. Expressing concern over the loss of valuable public time, the signatories said disruptions and protests within Parliament weakened its functioning.

Source: The Hindu March 18, 2026 11:22 UTC