Dhami targets Pappu Yadav over Parliament protest skit

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has accused Independent MP Pappu Yadav of disparaging Sanatan Dharma, citing a controversial skit staged outside Parliament. The protest, which featured an individual dressed as a Hindu saint, has triggered a sharp political confrontation regarding the boundaries of parliamentary conduct and religious reverence.

Editorial·August 4, 2026·reads: 355

Dhami targets Pappu Yadav over Parliament protest skit

Dhami, speaking in Haridwar, condemned the demonstration as a deliberate attempt to insult saints and sages. He characterized the actions of Yadav and his supporters as a reflection of a hostile mentality, stating he would pray for their change of heart. The skit in question centered on allegations of financial impropriety concerning donations for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

In response, Yadav defended the performance as a dignified form of protest. He questioned the legitimacy of the privilege notice filed against him by BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal, arguing that political figures are frequently targets of verbal attacks in the House without similar repercussions. Yadav confirmed he has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to clarify his position and remains ready to defend his actions formally.

Jaiswal’s notice, filed under Rules 222 and 223, alleges that the display on July 31 ridiculed religious sentiments and undermined the decorum of the Parliament complex. He has requested that the matter be forwarded to the Committee of Privileges for a full investigation into the breach of conduct.