A tumultuous session unfolded easily in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, with Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar asserting his commitment to the nation and calling for decorum amidst continuous disruptions by the Opposition in the upper house.
A heated exchange unfolded between Chairman Dhankhar and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge.
In a spirited address, Dhankhar reiterated, “I am a son of the farmer and I won’t show any weakness. I will die for this country.”
The Chairman expressed anguish at the behaviour of the Opposition, urging members to reflect on their actions.
“You will not reflect and just wonder why a son of a farmer is sitting in this position,” he remarked.
Kharge remarked, “If you are a son of a farmer, then I am the son of a labourer.”
He continued, “You are saying that we are insulting a son of a farmer. I want to say that I am the son of a labourer.”
“We are not here to listen to your praises,” Kharge added, expressing his frustration.
In response, Dhankhar retorted, “I know whose praise you want to hear.”
Dhankhar, exasperated by the lack of order, demanded adherence to parliamentary rules, stating, “Read the rules, if the motion is moved it will come in 14 days.”
He also extended an olive branch to the Opposition, saying, “I request you to take out time and meet me. If not, then I will come and meet you.”
Jagdeep Dhankhar, born into a farming family in 1951 in Kaithana village, Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu, has become the focal point of a political narrative by the BJP.
The party framed the opposition's no-confidence motion as an "insult" to the Jat community and to "a farmer's son from a humble background."
On December 10, the opposition submitted a notice seeking to move a no-confidence or impeachment resolution against Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar.
The notice alleges that Dhankhar has displayed “partisan” conduct and acted as an “impassioned spokesperson” for the government’s policies in public forums.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge responded sharply, accusing the Rajya Sabha Chairman of disrespecting Congress leaders and enabling BJP members to target the opposition.
Kharge stated, “You are encouraging the (BJP) members to speak against members of other parties. I am also a son of a labourer. I have faced more challenges than you. You are insulting our party leaders, you are insulting the Congress.
BJP MPs back Dhankar
BJP MPs rallied behind the Chairman, praising his rise from humble beginnings. Surendra Singh Nagar lauded Dhankhar’s journey and criticised the Opposition’s alleged disregard for farmers.
He said, “The Opposition has shown their mentality against farmers.”
Neeraj Sekhar, another BJP MP, added, “I don’t understand what problem Congress have if a son of farmer is sitting in such a prestigious post in Parliament. Opposition just wants one family to move forward in this life.”
Sekhar urged the Opposition to respect the chair and accused them of prioritising media engagements over dialogue with the Chairman.
Debate on no-confidence motion
Amid heated protests, BJP MP Radha Mohan Das Agarwal insisted the Opposition follow procedure before moving a no-confidence motion.
He stated, “Congress has a history of not respecting the Presidents and the Vice-Presidents of our country,” referencing alleged instances of disrespect under Jawaharlal Nehru’s tenure.
The BJP maintained that the no-confidence motion lacked merit and claimed it hurt public sentiment.
The session also witnessed poignant moments. The House observed a minute’s silence to honour the martyrs of the 2001 Parliament attack, paying homage to those who sacrificed their lives.
Chairman Dhankhar congratulated Indian chess prodigy D. Gukesh for becoming the youngest World Chess Champion after defeating China’s Ding Liren, marking a proud moment for the nation.
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