NEW DELHI — In a stern two-page letter dated March 16, 2026, former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda has expressed deep concern over the “rising disorder and non-seriousness” within Parliament. Addressing senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, the 92-year-old veteran criticized the current culture of protests, specifically targeting the conduct of Congress MPs led by the Leader of the Opposition.
Key Concerns Raised by Deve Gowda:
-
“Casual” Protest Culture: Gowda criticized recent demonstrations at the Makar Dwar, where MPs were seen sharing tea and snacks. He argued that protests resembling “informal gatherings” with tea and pakodas diminish the dignity of the institution.
-
Loss of Decorum: Drawing on his 65-year political career—spent mostly in the Opposition—Gowda noted that he never once entered the Well of the House to protest. He described the current atmosphere of slogan-shouting and placards as an assault on the construct of parliamentary democracy.
-
Appeal for Maturity: Describing Sonia Gandhi as the “eldest in the ranks of the Opposition,” Gowda urged her to intervene and guide her party leaders toward more restrained and responsible conduct.
-
Foundational Ideals: He noted that his understanding of Parliament was shaped by leaders like Nehru, Ambedkar, and Patel, and lamented that the current chaos is “unprecedented” in India’s democratic history.
The “Tea Protest” Context
The letter follows a viral incident on March 12, where Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi was seen drinking tea with colleagues during a sit-in protest at the Makar Dwar entrance. While acknowledging that protest is a legitimate democratic tool, Gowda emphasized that it must remain within established rules and traditions.
Political Significance
The letter highlights the growing friction between the veteran leader—whose son HD Kumaraswamy serves as a Minister in the current NDA government—and the Congress-led Opposition. Gowda concluded by warning that such “non-serious” behavior could harm the long-term political futures of the members involved and damage institutions built over 75 years.
