The Rajya Sabha descended into chaos on Friday as Vice President and Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar clashed with Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge amid protests over the no-confidence motion filed against the Vice President by the Congress-led INDIA bloc.
The uproar further derailed proceedings, with the Upper House ultimately adjourned until Monday.
The Vice-President, visibly exasperated by the opposition’s conduct, defended himself, stating, “I am a farmer’s son. I would die for the country. This is your only issue 24 hours in the Parliament – why is a farmer’s son sitting here (in the VP chair). I have given you enough respect. Look at your gesturing. Look at what you speak. I have tolerated enough.”
While reiterating that the Opposition was within its constitutional rights to bring the motion, Dhankhar accused them of breaching constitutional norms.
“Your resolution will be put to vote after 14 days. Yet you give such statements outside. It is their constitutional right, but they are deviating from constitutional provisions,” he said.
Kharge retorts
Mallikarjun Kharge, leader of the Congress in the Upper House, responded sharply to Dhankhar's remarks, accusing him of encouraging BJP members to target opposition leaders.
“If you are the son of a farmer, I am also the son of a labourer. I have come from an even backward section of life and have suffered worse ordeals than you. You are insulting the Leader of the Opposition,” said Kharge.
Accusing the Chairman of bias, Kharge added, “You are encouraging the (BJP) members to speak against members of other parties... We have not come here to listen to your praises; we have come here for discussion.”
The Vice-President, urging decorum, advised Kharge to introspect. “I know whose praise you want to hear,” Dhankhar quipped.
He reiterated his willingness to meet MPs at their convenience to resolve any issues, stating, “I request you to take out time and meet me. If not, then I will come and meet you.”
Opposition alleges bias
The Congress-led INDIA bloc’s no-confidence motion accuses Dhankhar of “partisan functioning” and favouring the ruling party during House proceedings.
This rare show of unity among the Opposition includes signatures from members of the Trinamool Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, and Samajwadi Party.
The saffron party dismissed the motion as a diversionary tactic, with members accusing the Congress of disrespecting constitutional provisions.
BJP MPs also alleged the opposition’s actions reflected an anti-farmer mentality, drawing attention to Dhankhar’s humble roots.
House adjourned
The heated exchanges culminated in the adjournment of the Rajya Sabha until December 16, with Dhankhar emphasising the need for the House to function smoothly.
“I request the Parliament be run smoothly for the benefit of the country and society. We need to work in this House,” he said.
Both Houses of Parliament have been witnessing disruptions throughout the winter session, with the BJP targeting Congress leaders for alleged connections with "anti-India" elements like George Soros, while the Congress continues to challenge the Modi-led government on various issues.
The Rajya Sabha erupted in chaos as Vice-President Dhankhar and Congress leader Kharge clashed over the opposition’s no-confidence motion.
Dhankhar defended his conduct, invoking his farmer’s roots, while Kharge accused him of bias and siding with the BJP. The House was adjourned till Monday.
Follow us
