Lok Bhavan’s Strict Protocols Flouted at UDF Govt Oath Taking
Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka, top leaders shared the stage with chief minister and other ministers
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Lok Bhavan’s directive allowing only the Governor, Chief Minister-designate V. D. Satheesan, and the Ministers taking oath to occupy chairs on the stage was not followed during the ceremony.
Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi shared the stage with the Chief Minister designate and Ministers' designate during the oath-taking ceremony at the Central stadium.
Many prominent leaders, including Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan, CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam, BJP’s Rajeev Chandrasekhar, V. M. Sudheeran were also given seats on the stage.
The Congress leadership viewed the strict protocols from the Lok Bhavan as an attempt to keep top Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, from sharing the stage with the CM-designate and his Cabinet. The directive had stated that all other leaders and guests, regardless of rank, must remain in the audience area.
Congress leaders criticized the protocols as anti-democratic, pointing to oath-taking ceremonies in other states, especially those ruled by the BJP, where the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Chief Ministers of NDA-ruled states shared the stage with the CM-designate and Cabinet. They alleged the directive was selective and reflected an undemocratic approach.
