Rajya Sabha Marshals back in bandhgalas after controversy over 'military look' uniforms

Rajya Sabha Marshals are back in their traditional attire of bandhgalas after ‘military makeover’ of their uniforms that had sparked massive controversy. Though they switched back to ethnic look, the turban was missing as part of the uniform. Though there were sharp criticism of the new look, the Hindustan Times report had quoted the Marshals saying they were all for new uniform. In fact, it was at their insistence that the old uniform was changed as the Marshals found the turbans too cumbersome, the HT reported. The marshals wear bandhgala suits and turbans during winters and safari suits in summers.  

Previously, after furore over the ‘military look’ Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu had said that the new uniforms of the Upper house marshals would be reviewed. Naidu informed the Upper House that the Rajya Sabha secretariat has been asked to revisit the new dress code of marshals. Naidu had said that he received ‘some observations on the new uniform from some politicians as well as certain well-meaning people.’ The announcement comes a day after the marshals, the well-built men who are often seen with the chairpersons of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, made a stunning debut in new military-inspired uniforms on the first day of the Winter Session of Parliament on Monday.

The new uniform was radically different from the previous attire, which was very traditional. Earlier, the Marshals used to wear turbans and bandhgalas. This was third such change of marshals' uniform. Previously, during then Speaker Meira Kumar’s time, the attire underwent a design change. The new look has some military essence with a cap, however the colour is a bit changed with the olive green. The Rajya Sabha is completing its 250th session this year. The house has 245 members and was constituted in 1952. On November 26, the Constitution will complete 70 years. A joint session has been summoned for the occasion.

Though the uniform was changed for the Rajya Sabha, the Lok Sabha marshals continue to sport the old turban and badhgala look.