New Delhi: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi at Parliament House Complex during the winter session of Parliament in New Delhi on Monday, December 01, 2025. (Photo: IANS/Qamar Sibtain)
New Delhi, December 4 (IANS) The Congress on Thursday backed Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha (LoP), Rahul Gandhi, after he alleged that the Centre has been advising foreign delegations against meeting or holding discussions with the LoP. He said such interactions had been a long-standing norm under previous governments, both during the UPA and NDA eras.
Congress leaders said that the current government is violating established protocols.
LoP Rahul Gandhi’s remarks, made outside Parliament, came just hours ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day visit to India. His statements are expected to spark political reactions and could escalate into a fresh round of exchanges between the BJP and the Congress.
“Meetings with the LoP traditionally take place when foreign delegations visit India. This has been a long-held practice during the terms of both Manmohan Singh and Atal Bihari Vajpayee,” Rahul Gandhi said.
“But this government has deliberately attempted to scrap that precedent. It instructs foreign delegations not to meet the LoP. This is happening repeatedly, and it appears to have now become its official policy,” he added.
Speaking outside Parliament, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “It is protocol that any visiting dignitary may meet the Leader of the Opposition if requested. However, this government wants everything to revolve around them and refuses to follow democratic norms. They are breaking established procedures. In a democracy, everyone should have the opportunity to speak, discuss, and participate — but here, no discussion is permitted.”
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor added, “In a democracy, it is healthy for visiting leaders to meet representatives across the political spectrum.”
Congress MP Tariq Anwar said, “It has always been India’s tradition that whenever a foreign leader visits, there are formal talks, bilateral discussions, and agreements — alongside meetings with opposition leaders.”
Congress MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy told IANS, “For the past 10 years, the NDA government has not allowed Opposition voices within the House. Now the same behaviour is being reflected outside Parliament. Prime Minister Modi must understand that meeting the LoP is a democratic tradition. Such participation strengthens democracy and signals transparency to the world. But the government seems unwilling to allow this.”
Congress MP Vivek Tankha said, “Our democracy rests on healthy traditions. If Rahul Gandhi has said this, it reflects an established democratic practice being ignored.”
Congress MP Manickam Tagore said, “It is unfortunate. Ever since the Modi government came to power, the level of insecurity has risen so much that Opposition leaders are prevented from meeting visiting dignitaries.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant added, “This is wrong. The Leader of the Opposition is not a minor position.”
‘Govt follows protocol’: BJP respond after Rahul Gandhi remarks on Oppn-Putin meeting
After Congress MP Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Centre has been advising foreign delegations against meeting or interacting with the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) - a practice he said was followed during previous UPA and NDA regimes, ruling party leaders on Thursday rejected the claim, asserting that the “government follows due protocol” in all matters.
The startling charge by Rahul Gandhi, while speaking to reporters outside Parliament, comes hours ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day visit to India. His remarks are set to raise eyebrows in the political corridors and also set the stage for heated sparring between the BJP and Congress.
Rahul Gandhi said, “Meetings with the LOP take place with delegations coming from outside. It has been a long-held tradition and has always been done this way,” he said, while citing instances during Manmohan Singh and Atal Bihari Vajpayee governments."
Speaking to IANS, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut said, “These decisions are made by the government. Atal ji was a national asset, and the entire country was proud of him. He was a great patriot. I don’t know why Rahul Gandhi is not being allowed, but in my opinion, his commitment to the nation is questionable. His role in creating unrest and trying to divide the country raises doubts about his intentions. And if Rahul Gandhi is comparing himself to Atal ji, then I would suggest he join the BJP — only then could he become like him.”
BJP MP Bhim Singh said, “Why would the government stop him? He only creates chaos and does not speak where he is supposed to speak.”
Echoing a similar stance, BJP MP Brij Lal added, “The government follows protocol, and work will be carried out accordingly. Rahul Gandhi is only making this political.”
JD(U) leader K. C. Tyagi clarified, “The government does not decide such protocols. Visiting heads of state themselves decide whom they wish to meet.”
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale added, “Foreign leaders visit on the invitation of the ruling party or government. If President Putin wishes, Rahul Gandhi, as LoP, can meet him. The government has no role in that.”
