Deve Gowda Flags ‘Chaos’ in Parliament, Writes to Sonia Gandhi

Former Prime Minister and Rajya Sabha MP HD Deve Gowda has written to Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi , expressing deep concern over disruptions inside Parliament and protests by opposition members outside its premises .

In his letter, Gowda said he was " greatly disturbed by a certain chaos " recently introduced in Parliament, which he attributed primarily to opposition parties. He added that Congress parliamentarians, led by the Leader of Opposition , have provoked frequent disruptions that are now spilling beyond the House into dharnas and blockades, a situation he described as " unprecedented ."

Highlighting his worry over the tone of parliamentary proceedings, Gowda noted that sessions have witnessed an excess of slogan-shouting, placard displays, and name-calling , creating an attitude of non-seriousness that, in his view, undermines the very foundation of parliamentary democracy . He stressed that these actions are more about method than the substance of questions or issues raised, which he did not dispute.

Reflecting on his own long political career, Gowda recalled lessons from founding leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, B.R. Ambedkar, and Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad , saying he had never entered the Well of the House to protest , even under extreme provocation. “That culture of restraint and decorum,” he said, “was what the elders of our democracy taught us.”

Addressing Sonia Gandhi directly, he acknowledged her long years in opposition and her " grace and maturity " during that time. He urged her to counsel her party leaders and other opposition MPs to frame protests in a manner that preserves parliamentary norms and does not harm their cause or political futures.

Gowda warned that unchecked disruptions and circulation of negative energy could have long-term consequences, saying they might " immensely harm the foundations of our democracy " and leave a trail of “ indelible bitterness .” He concluded by emphasising that while the opposition has the right to protest, it must be conducted responsibly, respecting the institutions built over 75 years of Indian democracy .