New Delhi, Dec 4 (NationPress) The Congress party expressed its support for the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha (LoP), Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday after he accused the Central government of advising foreign delegations against engaging with or meeting the LoP. He emphasized that such meetings have been a long-standing practice during previous administrations, including those of the UPA and NDA.

Congress leaders asserted that the current administration is breaching established protocols.

Rahul Gandhi’s comments, made outside Parliament, came just hours before Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to embark on a two-day visit to India. His statements are anticipated to provoke political reactions and may lead to renewed exchanges between the BJP and the Congress party.

“Meetings with the LoP have traditionally occurred when foreign delegations visit India. This has been a well-established norm during the tenures of both Manmohan Singh and Atal Bihari Vajpayee,” stated Rahul Gandhi.

“Yet, this government has intentionally sought to dismantle that tradition. It instructs foreign delegations not to meet the LoP. This pattern is recurring and seems to have become their official stance,” he continued.

Speaking outside Parliament, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra remarked, “It is standard protocol for any visiting dignitary to meet the Leader of the Opposition if requested. However, this government prefers to centralize everything around them and ignores democratic principles. They are disregarding established procedures. In a democracy, everyone should have a chance to speak, engage, and contribute — but here, dialogue is not allowed.”

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor added, “In a democracy, it is beneficial for visiting leaders to meet with representatives from all political parties.”

Congress MP Tariq Anwar noted, “It has always been India’s tradition that when a foreign leader visits, there are formal discussions, bilateral talks, and agreements, along with meetings with opposition leaders.”

Congress MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy told IANS, “For the past decade, the NDA government has silenced Opposition voices within the House. This behavior is now evident outside Parliament as well. Prime Minister Modi must recognize that meeting the LoP is a democratic tradition. Such engagement enhances democracy and signals transparency to the world. However, the government appears reluctant to permit this.”

Congress MP Vivek Tankha stated, “Our democracy is based on healthy traditions. If Rahul Gandhi has raised this issue, it highlights a democratic practice that is being overlooked.”

Congress MP Manickam Tagore expressed, “This is regrettable. Since the Modi government took office, insecurity has risen to the extent that Opposition leaders are barred from meeting visiting dignitaries.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant added, “This is unacceptable. The Leader of the Opposition holds a significant position.”