Lok Sabha speaker urges MPs to follow dress code after 'Modi-Adani' protests

Following a protest in Parliament led by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi against the alleged "Modi-Adani nexus", Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday urged members to refrain from sporting lapel pins and badges other than the national tricolour in the House.

The protest saw Congress and INDIA bloc MPs wearing stickers with slogans like 'Modi Adani ek hai (Modi Adani are one)' and 'Adani safe hai (Adani is safe)' on their jackets and shirts, prompting condemnation from Union parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju.

"INDIA alliance wants discussion on Adani mega scam, but the Modi government is continuously running away from it. Today, INDIA leaders protested on this issue in the Parliament premises, where it was written on everyone's jackets — Modi Adani are one and Adani is safe," the Congress said in a social media post.

Rahul Gandhi was among those seen wearing the sticker, prominently displayed on the back of his signature white T-shirt during the session.

Rijiju criticised the opposition’s actions, calling them “unparliamentary” and accusing Congress and INDIA bloc MPs of breaking established norms. "They have broken the rules. We have already decided that no placards or protest material should be brought into the House," Rijiju said.

Addressing the situation, Speaker Om Birla cited Rule 349 of the 'Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha', which mandates that members should not wear or display badges of any kind in the House, except for the national flag in the form of a lapel pin or badge.

Birla reminded members of their responsibility to uphold parliamentary decorum. "I urge all members to adhere to parliamentary rules and conventions to ensure that the dignity of the House is not compromised," he said.

The incident has reignited tensions between the ruling BJP and Opposition parties over their continued allegations and counter-claims regarding the Adani controversy.