Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Saugata Roy on Sunday defended Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Purnia MP Pappu Yadav over the controversy surrounding a protest skit staged by opposition MPs in the Parliament complex. Roy said the demonstration was justified and accused the BJP of using police cases against those who oppose it.
“Rahul Gandhi and Pappu Yadav were doing the right thing. The protest was justified,” Roy said, alleging that filing FIRs against political opponents had become a practice of the BJP. His comments came after police registered a case following a complaint related to the protest.
The controversy erupted after Pappu Yadav and other opposition MPs staged a skit on July 31 inside the Parliament complex. Yadav appeared dressed in saffron robes resembling those of a temple priest, while the performance involved a collection box and allegations of corruption. The demonstration was part of the opposition's broader political campaign against the government.
The BJP strongly objected to the skit, accusing the opposition MPs of insulting Sanatan Dharma and religious sentiments. The party demanded action against those involved, while opposition leaders argued that the performance was intended as political satire and a form of protest.
Varanasi Police subsequently registered an FIR against Rahul Gandhi and others following a complaint connected to the demonstration. The development has further intensified the political confrontation between the ruling party and opposition groups.
Congress leaders have also criticised the registration of cases. Congress MP Pawan Khera questioned the government's response, arguing that FIRs were being pursued against opposition MPs while allegations surrounding donations to the Ram Mandir were not receiving similar attention. The dispute has now expanded beyond the original protest, with political parties trading allegations over freedom of expression, religious sentiments and the use of police action against political opponents.
Roy's intervention is significant as the TMC leader has publicly backed Rahul Gandhi and Pappu Yadav despite the controversy surrounding the skit. His remarks underline the opposition's attempt to present the FIRs as part of a wider political dispute rather than an isolated legal matter. The BJP, meanwhile, maintains that criticism of the government cannot justify conduct that allegedly hurts religious sentiments. The controversy is expected to continue as police proceedings and political reactions develop.
