Patna: BJP reacted sharply to the protest staged by Purnia MP Rajesh Ranjan aka Pappu Yadav at the Makar Dwar of Parliament on Friday while wearing saffron robes and posing as a sadhu.BJP spokesperson Prem Ranjan Patel said the MP’s behaviour constituted a grave affront to democratic decorum and parliamentary dignity. “It is unfortunate and condemnable for an elected representative to use the Parliament complex as a stage for political theatrics. Parliament is the supreme temple of the country’s democracy. Respecting its dignity, sanctity, and decorum is the constitutional and moral obligation of every member of Parliament,” he said.Opposition MPs were staging a protest on the Parliament premises over the theft of offerings from the Ayodhya Ram Mandir when the Purnia MP arrived in a priest’s dress carrying a donation box. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also warned the MP against such behaviour on the Parliament premises.Patel further said the colour saffron is revered as a symbol of faith, sacrifice, penance, and cultural traditions of millions of Indians. “Using any religious or cultural symbol in this manner for a political demonstration hurts sentiments,” he added.The BJP spokesman said Bihar is a land with a rich history of democratic traditions. “For a representative of such a land to insult parliamentary dignity and democratic values is an insult to Bihar and its people. People will not tolerate any attempt to compromise the sanctity or dignity of Parliament,” he said and demanded necessary action against any such person who fails to conduct themselves in accordance with the dignity and decorum of Parliament.
