Jagdeep Dhankhar considered resignation after enduring much with Mallikarjun Kharge in Rajya Sabha
Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed profound distress over Mallikarjun Kharge’s behavior, suggesting that the entire episode affected him more deeply than the loss of his son.
During the concluding day of the Budget Session of Parliament on Saturday, there was a significant verbal altercation between Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge. This occurred following Congress MPs’ inquiry into the Vice-President’s decision to allow RLD’s Jayant Singh to address the government’s choice to bestow the Bharat Ratna upon his grandfather and former Prime Minister, Chaudhary Charan Singh.
Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed profound distress over Mallikarjun Kharge’s behavior, suggesting that the entire episode affected him more deeply than the loss of his young son. Additionally, he criticized Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, stating that his behavior was unfit for a member of the Upper House.
The conflict arose when Jagdeep Dhankhar summoned Jayant Singh to speak shortly after the House convened for the day. Congress MPs argued that the chairman did not specify when he was granting the floor to Jayant Singh, and the official documents of the House did not mention any statements regarding the government’s decision to award the Bharat Ratna to former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, as well as agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan.
Amidst this period, Jairam Ramesh made particular comments and inquired of Jayant Singh about his destination, indirectly alluding to the Rashtriya Lok Dal’s alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party for the Lok Sabha elections.
Jagdeep Dhankhar became furious, declaring Jairam Ramesh unsuitable for membership in the House. Following the deliberation on the government’s ‘white paper’ on the economy, Jagdeep Dhankhar once more criticized Jairam Ramesh’s conduct.
“After the initial commotion, I heard Jairam Ramesh’s remarks to Jayant… You (Ramesh) are someone who dines at the cremation ground,” stated the Rajya Sabha chairman. “It is evident that due to this misconduct, you (Ramesh) are not worthy of being a member of this House,” he added.
Amid protests from Congress MPs, Jagdeep Dhankhar granted Mallikarjun Kharge the opportunity to address the chamber. Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized the absence of a discussion on the government’s decision to confer the highest civilian honor on certain leaders. “I extend my respects to everyone. However, if a member wishes to raise a concern, you (chairman) should inquire ‘under which rule.’ I want clarification on the rule under which he (Jayant Singh) has been permitted to speak… Allow us the same privilege. While you emphasize adherence to rules on one hand… you possess discretionary powers… such discretion should be exercised prudently and not arbitrarily,” remarked the leader of the Opposition.
In response, Jagdeep Dhankhar responded by alleging that Congress leaders had disrespected Chaudhary Charan Singh and his legacy.
Meanwhile, Leader of the House and Union minister Piyush Goyal called for Mallikarjun Kharge to apologize for showing disrespect towards the Chair.
Subsequently, Jagdeep Dhankhar presented a notice he had received from Jayant Singh requesting to speak for a brief period, and proceeded to grant the RLD MP the opportunity to conclude his remarks.
“Today was a distressing day for me. I humbly request your support and protection. At times, it becomes challenging to maintain a dignified course of action… With a heavy heart, I wish to draw your attention to a matter for contemplation… I seek to share and discuss an important issue with you,” he expressed afterward.
The chairman further remarked that the conduct was “surprising,” “disgraceful,” and “distressing.”
“Chaudhary Charan Singh’s legacy extends beyond one family, yet having his grandson as a member of this House is a source of pride for us. The behavior witnessed by both you and me was unprecedented, disrespectful, and deeply distressing. The actions of certain members were so trivial that I felt ashamed. Numerous thoughts came to mind, including thoughts of resignation,” Jagdeep Dhankhar stated during the session.
“I am profoundly hurt. Let’s not overlook the type of language employed against me by the Leader of Opposition. Despite coming from a farming background, it doesn’t imply that I am feeble. I have endured a great deal,” he further commented.
The vice-president, drawing from his experience as the son of a farmer who has faced adversity, expressed, “I have endured challenging times, including the loss of my adult son. However, the distress I felt today, while Jayant Chaudhary was speaking, was compounded by Jairam Ramesh’s remarks.”
Expressing his reluctance to prolong the issue, he emphasized that irrespective of political differences, “we should demonstrate sensitivity towards respecting leaders.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on Friday that the Bharat Ratna will be bestowed upon Chaudhary Charan Singh and PV Narasimha Rao. Additionally, MS Swaminathan, recognized as the pioneer of the green revolution, will also receive the nation’s highest civilian honor.
Saturday marked the conclusion of the Budget Session, which also served as the final session of the 17th Lok Sabha, preceding the general elections.
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