New Delhi, Dec 4 (UNI) On the eve of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s arrival in New Delhi, a fresh political clash erupted as Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi accused the Modi government of deliberately blocking visiting foreign leaders from meeting him.
Calling the move a violation of democratic norms, Rahul alleged that the practice honoured under Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, was being dismantled due to the Centre’s “insecurity.”
“It has always been a convention that visiting leaders meet the Leader of Opposition. This used to happen during Vajpayee ji’s and Manmohan Singh ji’s governments,” Rahul Gandhi said. “But now, when foreign dignitaries visit India—or when I am abroad—the government advises them not to meet the LoP. This is their policy. It reflects their insecurity.”
Commenting on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit, Gandhi added, “We have relations with everyone. The LoP gives a different perspective—we too represent India. The government doesn’t want the Opposition to meet people coming from outside. Modi ji and the Foreign Ministry don’t follow this norm.”
The remarks triggered strong reactions from across the political spectrum, with several Congress leaders criticizing the government for “abandoning democratic protocol,” while some ruling party MPs dismissed Gandhi’s statements.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said the government must respond to the allegations. “In a democracy, it is healthy for visiting dignitaries to meet leaders across the spectrum,” he said. “Such engagements are routine internationally and help maintain balanced foreign relations.”
Tharoor also stressed the significance of Putin’s visit, noting that several key agreements are under discussion, including defence cooperation. “We already saw the utility of the S-400 air defence system during Operation Sindoor. There are talks of additional S-400s, possibly S-500s, and even a mobility agreement for Indian workers.”
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called the alleged exclusion of the LoP from protocol meetings “very weird,” adding, “This government is insecure. They don’t want dissenting voices. By reversing protocol, they are damaging the image of Indian democracy.”
Kumari Selja echoed the criticism, saying, “The BJP government has undermined democratic traditions. Weakening the role of the LoP is not a good sign for the country’s prestige.”
Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai termed the situation “unfortunate,” saying, “No one should be stopped from speaking on national issues—not even the Leader of Opposition.”
RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha said, “Just as the government is elected, the Opposition is also elected. Meeting foreign dignitaries has been part of our democratic culture. Ending this tradition reflects someone’s insecurity.”
