New Delhi | August 1, 2026
A high-decibel political controversy has erupted in the capital following a street-theatre-style protest inside the Parliament complex, leading to a formal police complaint against Independent MP from Purnia, Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav.
The complaint, lodged at Delhi’s Jahangirpuri Police Station by petitioner Surya Maithil, accuses the lawmaker of hurting religious sentiments and misusing sacred symbols. During a mock performance supported by top INDIA bloc figures—including Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party MPs Dimple Yadav and Awadhesh Prasad—a saffron-clad Pappu Yadav enacted a priest pocketing temple offerings to depict alleged financial irregularities in Ram Temple donations.
Institutional Crackdown & Political Fallout
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Strict Ban on Theatrical Demonstrations: Taking serious note of the incident, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla expressed strong displeasure over the use of costumes and street plays inside the premises. The Lok Sabha Secretariat has mandated strict enforcement of guidelines prohibiting dramatic or costume-based protests within Parliament grounds.
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Treasury Bench Condemnation: Union Minister Giriraj Singh lashed out at the Opposition, asserting that staging such skits defamed Sanatan traditions for electoral gains and would meet a strong public response.
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Opposition Argument: Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav justified the symbolic performance, stating it was necessary to highlight serious allegations regarding unissued donation receipts and deleted CCTV records at Ayodhya.
Summary Snapshot
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Key Figure Charged: Rajesh Ranjan (Pappu Yadav), Independent MP, Purnia
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Filing Location: Jahangirpuri Police Station, Delhi
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Core Allegations: Outraging religious feelings and disrespectful portrayal of religious icons during a political protest
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Key Opposition Allies: Rahul Gandhi, Dimple Yadav, Dharmendra Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad
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Administrative Action: Lok Sabha Secretariat enforces absolute prohibition on costume-driven demonstrations in Parliament
