Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday emphasized the importance of maintaining parliamentary decorum by urging members to refrain from wearing lapel pins or badges other than the national tricolour. His remarks came after Congress MPs, including Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, displayed stickers with slogans such as “Modi Adani Ek Hai” and “Adani Safe Hai” on their attire during the session.
Rahul Gandhi, dressed in his signature white T-shirt, wore the badge prominently, while other Congress leaders displayed similar slogans on black jackets. In a video shared by News24, the Speaker referenced Rule 349 of the Lok Sabha’s Rules of Procedure, which prohibits wearing badges symbolizing anything other than the National Flag. He reminded the members of their duty to uphold parliamentary traditions and preserve the dignity of the House.
The Congress protest is part of the Opposition’s ongoing demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) investigation into allegations against billionaire Gautam Adani. US prosecutors have recently implicated Adani and his nephew in bribery and fraud charges, fueling political tensions in India.
In a symbolic act earlier in the day, Congress MPs wore black jackets with slogans condemning the alleged nexus between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Adani. The opposition continues to push for greater accountability, leveraging high-profile demonstrations within and outside the Parliament.
Speaker Birla’s appeal seeks to reaffirm the sanctity of parliamentary proceedings while addressing the escalating political theatrics amid the ongoing session.
