Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi slammed the Centre for excluding Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi from President Murmu’s state dinner for Vladimir Putin. She termed the move “petty,” arguing the President’s office should be bipartisan. Congress leaders echoed this sentiment, questioning the guest list and alleging government insecurity. Priyanka Chaturvedi (File photo/ANI) NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Saturday criticised the Centre for not inviting Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi — the leaders of the opposition (LoP) in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, respectively — to the state dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu in honour of Russian President Vladimir Putin.Chaturvedi, a former Congress leader, described the omission as “petty.”“The position of the President is not affiliated with any political side. It is bipartisan. So the President has to take note of all sides… No trend should be started that further pollutes democratic rules and regulations. The dignity and responsibility attached to the President’s office must be upheld. It looked very petty that only the ruling side was invited,” she told news agency ANI.Earlier, in a post on X, Chaturvedi accused the government of “hijacking” the state visit, writing: “Dear @rashtrapatibhvn, your role in democracy is bipartisan… Unfortunate to see a state banquet to welcome a foreign dignitary being hijacked by the government to keep away leaders of the opposition. This doesn’t augur well for democracy and only shows the pettiness of the ruling dispensation. Don’t become another toolkit in their hand to throttle long-held customs and traditions.”Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh had confirmed that the two LoPs were not invited to the official dinner at Rashtrapati Bhavan.Congress leader Pawan Khera also questioned the decision to invite party colleague Shashi Tharoor while excluding senior leaders, saying he was “quite surprised” by the guest list.Gandhi also alleged that the government had not scheduled a meeting between him, in his capacity as LoP, and President Putin, attributing the move to the government’s “insecurity.”The Russian president was on a two-day visit to Delhi on Thursday and Friday — his first trip to India since December 2021 and the first since the outbreak of the Ukraine war.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. 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The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUS Singer Calls PM Modi World’s Top Leader, Warns Washington To Recalibrate Its India Strategy FastEx-Pentagon Official Says Asim Munir Must Be Arrested As He Slams US Policy, Calls For India ApologyAfter Rajnath’s Babri Remark, Sonia Targets BJP In Fiery Counterattack Over Maligning Nehru LegacyMurshidabad Tense as Humayun Kabir Faces Heat Over ‘Babri Masjid’ Foundation and Heavy DeploymentEx-Pentagon Official Credits Trump For India-Russia Bonhomie, Calls His India Policy HypocriticalShashi Tharoor’s Presence At Putin Dinner Sparks Congress Outrage Over Rahul, Kharge Missing Invite’Grow Together’: In Parting Speech, Putin Adopts PM Modi’s ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ Mantra”Next Year in Russia…” Deputy PM Manturov Urges Indian Companies to Expand Bilateral Trade”Ordinary Indians Pay Price” Rahul Gandhi Calls Indigo Chaos The ‘Cost Of Monopoly Model’India, Russia Renew Call for Inclusive UN Security Council Structure: MEA123PhotostoriesSonam Kapoor stuns in double Banarasi Kadhwa border saree: Is this the most iconic pregnancy saree look ever?IndiGo Flight Chaos at IGI: Family Stranded, Terminals Jammed, Passengers Wait Hours, Fares Surge, No Clear UpdatesWhat is the Portfolio diet, what does it comprise and how it helps the heart8 quick, high-protein breakfasts as recommended by a top gastroenterologistThe Holy Book You Must Read According To Your Birth NumberFrom Bollywood to Hollywood: Stars who crossed bordersWhy people are going crazy over the Chinese Persimmon and what makes this fruit specialLegendary artist Frank Gehry passes away at 96: A look at his 7 most iconic buildings7 bizarre animal eyes that defy everything you know about visionSilsila, Darr and Chandni; Yash Chopra’s love triangles that made heartbreak look impossibly beautiful123Hot PicksIndigo Flight DelayPutin India VisitWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingDelhi Student MurderDelhi Airport AdvisoryIndigo Flight CancellationCandace OwensAryna Sabalenka Net WorthHow to get danny Phantom in FortniteTravis KelceJohn Cena FinalJEE Advanced Exam DateDDA RecruitmentExam Schedule
Priyanka Chaturvedi (File photo/ANI) NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Saturday criticised the Centre for not inviting Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi — the leaders of the opposition (LoP) in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, respectively — to the state dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu in…