Kangana Ranaut Critiques Rahul Gandhi's Conduct in Parliament

On Wednesday, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut launched a sharp critique against Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, claiming that his behavior makes women uncomfortable and reflects a lack of decorum. Responding to questions regarding Gandhi's conduct in Parliament, Ranaut expressed that many women feel uneasy in his presence, describing his approach as akin to that of a 'tapori' (a slang term for a street-smart person), where he addresses others in a disrespectful manner, using phrases like 'Hey you' and interrupting conversations aggressively. She emphasized that his mannerisms are quite unsettling and suggested he should observe how his sister behaves, implying that he does not exhibit similar decorum.

 

These comments from Ranaut come amid escalating controversy regarding Gandhi's alleged conduct within the parliamentary premises. On Tuesday, over 200 former bureaucrats, diplomats, and retired military officials expressed their concerns in an open letter regarding his behavior. The signatories criticized the protests held in the Parliament, which included demonstrations on the stairs and informal gatherings, labeling them as inappropriate and contrary to established norms.

 

The letter underscored that Parliament serves as India's highest constitutional platform where the collective will of the people is expressed and laws are enacted. It stated that maintaining decorum within Parliament is not merely a tradition but a fundamental aspect of the constitutional spirit of democracy. The signatories argued that the behavior in question violates directives issued by the Speaker and called for a public apology from Rahul Gandhi.

 

This incident has sparked a political debate, with the ruling party targeting the Congress leader over institutional decorum, while opposition leaders often defend the protests as a democratic right.