Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has emphasised the importance of maintaining decorum and observing parliamentary etiquette, underscoring that Members of Parliament must conduct themselves with the highest standards, as they represent lakhs of citizens across the country.
In a recent interview, Rijiju shared his personal experiences from his early days as a young MP and how he learned discipline even while participating in protests, under the guidance of senior BJP leaders.
He reflected on recent developments during the budget session of Parliament, particularly referring to the conduct of Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
While Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla expressed his displeasure over certain gestures made by Gandhi—reminding him to adhere to Rule 349 of the House rules—Rijiju noted that while it was not his place to instruct Gandhi on his behaviour, he believed that leaders, especially those as senior as Gandhi, should lead by example and respect the decorum of the House.
Rijiju stated that Parliament is not a place for personal displays of emotion or sentimentality, regardless of familial ties among MPs. He pointed out that many MPs who are related—be it mother and son, father and daughter, or spouses—have served together, but such personal gestures are best kept outside the sanctity of the House.
The Speaker's comments were made in the backdrop of a viral video in which Rahul Gandhi was seen cupping the cheeks of his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, also a Member of Parliament, during the session. Though the Speaker did not directly refer to the incident, his remarks implied a reminder to uphold the seriousness of parliamentary conduct.
In response, Rahul Gandhi dismissed the criticism as "unsubstantiated", while the Congress party claimed the House was being managed in an undemocratic manner.
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Rijiju also commented on another incident involving Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee, who was seen mimicking Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. A video recorded by Rahul Gandhi during the act drew further criticism.
Rijiju condemned Banerjee's actions, calling them inappropriate and in poor taste, and added that even some TMC MPs privately admitted that the behaviour was wrong, despite laughing and cheering at the time. He stressed that elected representatives must behave in a manner that reflects the trust and responsibility placed in them by the public.
Drawing a contrast with the past, Rijiju recalled the conduct of veteran leaders like LK Advani during his early years in Parliament. He remembered being told by Advani that even during protests, MPs should never cross the halfway mark towards the ruling benches, as discipline must be maintained.
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In contrast, Rijiju criticised the current behaviour of some opposition members, saying they often cross over, shout slogans, and create disruptions—even preventing the Prime Minister from speaking.
Highlighting his own record, Rijiju said he has always respected the rules of the House and refrained from making any statements or actions that breach parliamentary norms. He credited his disciplined approach to the mentorship he received from leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, LK Advani, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He praised Modi’s deep understanding of parliamentary procedures and recalled how the Prime Minister set an example by bowing at the steps of Parliament and before the Constitution on his first day in office—something never done before by any Prime Minister.
Rijiju also spoke about the institutionalisation of Samvidhan Diwas (Constitution Day), pointing out that it was Prime Minister Modi who formally declared November 26 as Constitution Day.
He added that Modi had earlier initiated the Samvidhan Gaurav Yatra during his tenure as Chief Minister, further reflecting his respect and reverence for constitutional values and parliamentary tradition.
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