SP pulls up Pappu Yadav for saffron-clad Parliament skit, calls it 'incorrect act'
The Samajwadi Party (SP) has publicly distanced itself from independent MP Pappu Yadav’s impromptu act of dressing as a saffron-clad seer during an INDIA bloc protest in Parliament on Friday. The move, which drew sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and prompted police complaints against Opposition leaders, has also created unease within the Opposition alliance.
According to sources, the issue was raised at the daily morning meeting of Opposition leaders at Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge’s office. SP leader Dharmendra Yadav expressed concern that the skit could undermine the Opposition’s sustained campaign highlighting alleged irregularities in the Ram Temple donation collection. He argued that such acts risked being perceived as mocking devotees and could backfire, damaging the credibility of the protest.
The skit, sources said, was not preplanned. Pappu Yadav arrived dressed in saffron robes and carrying a photograph of Lord Ram without consulting other leaders. SP members have, however, been carrying steel donation boxes to the daily protest, symbolically drawing attention to the alleged scam.
Speaking to reporters, Samajwadi Party leader Ramgopal Yadav said, “It was wrong because the saints had nothing to do with the theft that took place in the Ram Temple. It was basically an incorrect act and it should not have happened.” He added that the Opposition would continue to raise the Ram Temple donations issue because it concerns crores of people in India and abroad who contributed to the temple’s construction.
The protest relates to allegations of irregularities in the collection and management of donations for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, a matter that has become a flashpoint between the ruling party and the Opposition. The Opposition has been demanding a thorough investigation into the handling of funds.
After conveying his party’s views at the INDIA bloc meeting, Dharmendra Yadav accused the BJP of attempting to “dilute and deflect” attention from the main issue by focusing on the protest tactic. “If a police case is being filed against Pappu Yadav, then why not one against BJP’s national president Nitin Nabin, who made Hanuman ji dance in front of him,” he asked. He was referring to a BJP procession in Lucknow last month welcoming Nabin, during which a performer dressed as Hanuman and carrying a party flag danced before the BJP leader’s chariot.
The Congress, a key constituent of the INDIA bloc, maintained a studied silence on the matter, refusing to engage with criticism of the skit.
Pappu Yadav defended his actions, accusing the government of double standards. “You can abuse Nehru, Indira Gandhi, or Mulayam Singh in the House. You can abuse whomever you please; that is fine. You can prevent the Leader of the Opposition from speaking in the House; that is fine. But when someone protests in a dignified manner outside the House, where does the question of ‘privilege’ arise? If the Speaker asks, I will certainly present my case. I have also written a letter to the Speaker,” he said.
Meanwhile, BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal has submitted a notice of breach of privilege and contempt of the House to the Lok Sabha Speaker against Pappu Yadav. The development sets the stage for a potential confrontation between the Opposition and the ruling party when Parliament resumes.
