Opposition parties have unleashed a barrage of criticism directed at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the central government led by Narendra Modi, venting their grievances regarding the new uniforms designed for Parliament staff. Their allegations center on the claim that these uniforms bear the 'lotus' symbol, which is the BJP's election emblem.
Voicing his disapproval on the micro-blogging platform X (formerly Twitter), Congress MP Manickam Tagore expressed his concerns, stating, "Why is the government not prepared to incorporate the Tiger, our national animal, into the Parliament staff's attire? Or why have they not chosen to feature the Peacock, our national bird? Instead, they have opted to include the Lotus in the dress code of the Parliamentary staff, as it aligns with the BJP's symbol."
Manickam Tagore further articulated, "Their actions reflect a certain level of pettiness. This isn't an isolated incident; they did it during the G20 as well. Now, they are once again indulging in such practices while claiming it represents the national flower."
He concluded by lamenting, "This form of triviality is far from appropriate. One can only hope that the BJP matures and refrains from transforming the Parliament into a one-sided partisan arena."
Another opposition party, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), also launched an offensive against the government on this issue.
NCP spokesperson Clyde Crasto expressed his criticism, declaring, "By affixing the 'Lotus' symbol onto the uniforms of Parliament staff, the BJP appears to be endeavoring to convert our 'Temple of Democracy' into a political battleground."
He went on to state, "The BJP seems to be exploiting the Parliament for their own propaganda. It is crucial to remember that the august institution belongs to the people of India, not any particular political party."
In preparation for the upcoming five-day special session, the Union government introduced a fresh uniform for Parliament staff, infusing it with an 'Indian' essence.
This novel attire includes a magenta or deep pink Nehru jacket for the bureaucrats, who previously donned bandh gala suits during Parliamentary proceedings. The traditional shirt has also undergone a transformation, now featuring a deep pink hue adorned with a lotus flower motif. Completing the ensemble are khaki-colored pants. The marshals in both houses will also adopt a new dress code, wearing Manipuri turbans.
Even the security personnel stationed at the Parliament building will see a change in their attire. They will swap their safari suits for camouflage dresses resembling military uniforms.
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