Speaking to ANI outside Parliament, Deora said it is ultimately up to visiting dignitaries to decide whom they wish to meet and urged the Opposition not to politicise India-Russia relations.
Amid a row that erupted over Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's claims, Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal on Friday launched a sharp attack on Rahul Gandhi, saying the Congress leader "needs to improve his habits" and stop portraying a negative image of India abroad.
"This is Rahul Gandhi's restlessness. The tradition that has been going on so far has always been accepted, but only whenever it is required," Choudhary said.
Amid a row that erupted over Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's claims, Congress MP Kiran Kumar Chamala hit out at the BJP, accusing the ruling party of attempting to create confusion among the public to portray opposition leaders as "anti-nationals."
"Since June 9, 2024, the following leaders have met the Leader of Opposition: Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina on June 10, 2024, Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Ching on August 1, 2024, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia on August 21, 2024, Prime Minister of Mau
Priyanka's remarks come amid an ongoing political exchange, with the Congress accusing the Centre of undermining democratic norms and restricting the Opposition's engagement with international delegates.
BJP MP Sambit Patra called the remarks "inappropriate" and "factually incorrect," saying they project India in a poor light at a time when global leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, are visiting the country.
Reacting to Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi's allegation that the Leader of Opposition is not allowed to meet visiting dignitaries, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) MP Arun Bharti said that as the LoP, first, he should fulfil the parliamentary procedures and traditions that exist.
"During a visit, MEA organises meetings for the incoming dignitary with Government officials and Government bodies. It is up to the visiting delegation to organise meetings outside the government," the government sources clarified.
Earlier today, ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, alleged that the Centre is suggesting that foreign dignitaries not meet the LoP.
RJD leader Manoj Kumar Jha on Thursday emphasised the importance of understanding the country's pulse, claiming that this tradition is being compromised due to "someone's insecurity," after Rahul Gandhi alleged that the LoP is not allowed to meet visiting dignitaries.