​​​​​​​New Delhi, Aug 3: Independent MP Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, on Monday defended his skit highlighting the alleged Ram Mandir donation embezzlement case, calling it a "dignified" protest outside Parliament. He said he would present his case before Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in response to BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal's privilege motion notice against him.

Questioning the move, Pappu Yadav alleged that while criticism of former Congress and Samajwadi Party leaders inside Parliament is tolerated, peaceful protests outside the House are being targeted.

"You can criticise Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi or Mulayam Singh Yadav in the House. You can stop the Leader of the Opposition from speaking, and that is considered acceptable. But when someone stages a dignified protest outside Parliament, how does it become a matter of privilege?" he told ANI.

He added that he has written to the Lok Sabha Speaker and would explain his position if asked.

The controversy stems from a notice submitted by BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal, who accused Pappu Yadav of dressing as a Hindu saint inside the Parliament complex on July 31 to mock religious sentiments and undermine the dignity of the House.

Invoking Rules 222 and 223 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha, Jaiswal requested Speaker Om Birla to admit the matter and, if deemed appropriate, refer it to the Committee of Privileges under Rule 227 for further examination.

Amid the political row, Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad came out in support of Pappu Yadav, arguing that the skit merely highlighted the alleged theft linked to the Ram Temple donations.

"There are many saffron-clad members in the Ram Temple Trust, but none of them have claimed that Lord Ram was insulted. Pappu Yadav only pointed to the alleged theft at the Ayodhya Ram Temple," Azad said, while also questioning why Union Home Minister Amit Shah had not resigned over related issues.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police have registered an FIR over the alleged attack on Pappu Yadav during a press conference at his residence on Sunday.

The FIR includes charges under Sections 221, 121(1), 132 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to obstructing and assaulting a public servant while performing official duties, and common criminal intention.

Police have detained one of the two accused in the alleged knife attack at Tilak Marg Police Station. The two accused have been identified as Sumit Sharma and Happy Sharma.