A group of opposition lawmakers, led by independent MP Rajesh Ranjan, also known as Pappu Yadav, dressed in saffron robes and staged a symbolic protest inside the Parliament complex on Friday. They accused authorities of misappropriating donations made at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi joined the performance called the “Chanda Chori” skit. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also participated in the demonstration, which drew attention to police action against student protesters during their July 20 march toward Parliament. The INDIA bloc members demanded the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah and criticized his absence from proceedings. The protest took place near Makar Dwar, where participants chanted slogans such as “Amit Shah istifa do” and “chadhawa chor, gaddi chorh”. During the skit, the lawmakers placed money into collection boxes while Yadav appeared to pocket the funds, representing claims of embezzlement. A Samajwadi Party MP acted as a devotee confronting the “priest” over the alleged theft. The “priest” denied the act before dramatically fleeing. The BJP condemned the protest as an insult to Hindu traditions and customs. Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticized the use of saffron robes, while BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj said the performance disrespected Lord Ram and Sanatan traditions. On July 27, the Uttar Pradesh government informed the Supreme Court that it had formed a Special Investigation Team led by Inspector General Kiran S to examine the donation allegations. The team includes a Deputy Inspector General, a Superintendent of Police and an Additional Superintendent of Police. The court directed the SIT to submit a status report within two weeks and ordered the attachment of a forensic auditor. The matter will be heard again after two weeks.
