Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Thursday that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s mind is controlled by his advisors. He said that Rahul Gandhi speaks in Parliament only what his advisors tell him. Rijiju also raised questions on the leader of the opposition coming to the House wearing a T-shirt.
The Parliamentary Affairs Minister said this in a news channel’s conference. Rijiju said that while intervening in Parliament, he feels more comfortable talking to those who have made significant contributions.
What was said about Rahul Gandhi?
He said, personally I have no objection to Rahul Gandhi. We meet. Exchanges views during meetings and also in the meeting room, as he is the leader of the opposition. It’s okay. No problem. But, when you are speaking formally in the House, you have to follow traditions, rules and etiquette. This is a very important aspect of parliamentary democracy. But Rahul Gandhi’s mind is under the control of his activist advisors. He says what his advisors tell him.
What did you say about the dress of the Congress leader?
He stressed that, when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was in opposition, it followed certain standards and carried out vigorous protests. But never crossed any limits. Asked about Rahul Gandhi often coming to Parliament in informal attire, the minister said, as Leader of the Opposition (LOP) one should behave appropriately and attire is a part of it. The minister said, he has difficulty in understanding the rules and etiquette. When you are the leader of the opposition, you have to behave in a certain way. Dressing decently is also a part of it.
Rijiju said, before becoming the Lok Sabha Speaker, veteran communist leader Somnath Chatterjee used to wear loose shirt and slippers. But after being elected president, he started coming politely, so that he could look good on the chair. Similarly, the leader of the opposition is the leader of the entire opposition. They should wear clothes that reflect their position.