Opposition parties have launched a scathing attack on the central government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the design of the new uniforms for Parliament staff. They allege that the uniform prominently features the ‘lotus’ symbol, which is the election symbol of the BJP.
Expressing his discontent on the micro-blogging platform X (formerly Twitter), Congress MP Manickam Tagore questioned the choice of using the lotus symbol. He stated, “Why is the government not ready to incorporate the tiger, our national animal, or the peacock, our national bird, into the Parliament staff’s uniform? Instead, they have opted for the lotus, which is the symbol of the BJP.”
Manickam Tagore further criticized the move, saying, “This kind of pettiness is not appropriate. It is hoped that the BJP matures and refrains from transforming Parliament into a one-sided partisan institution.”
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) also condemned the government’s decision. NCP spokesperson Clyde Crasto accused the BJP of attempting to turn the “Temple of Democracy” into a political battleground by featuring the lotus symbol on the uniforms.
Crasto emphasized that the Parliament belongs to the people of India, not to any political party, and accused the BJP of misusing it for personal propaganda.
In preparation for the upcoming five-day special session, the Union government unveiled a new uniform for Parliament staff, infusing it with an ‘Indian’ essence.
The new attire includes magenta or deep pink Nehru jackets for bureaucrats, replacing the earlier bandhgala suits worn during Parliamentary proceedings. Their shirts now feature a deep pink color with a lotus flower motif. Khaki-colored pants complete the ensemble. Marshals in both houses will wear Manipuri turbans.
Security personnel at the Parliament building will also sport a new look, switching from safari suits to camouflage dresses, akin to military attire.
This development has sparked a political controversy, with opposition parties alleging an attempt to politicize the attire of Parliament staff by prominently featuring the lotus symbol associated with the ruling BJP.
