In a heated exchange in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar rebuked Congress MP Mallikarjun Kharge and accused him of repeatedly disrespecting the Chair.
I have always tried to protect your dignity," the Rajya Sabha Chairperson further said.
#WATCH | Delhi: Reacting to Congress MP Mallikarjun Kharge in Rajya Sabha, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar says, "... You cannot every time run down the chair.
By and large, you are doing his job, insulting him (Kharge)," Dhankhar said.
The Rajya Sabha chairperson agreed and laughed, saying there is no "jazba" (passion) while sitting.
In a heated exchange in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar rebuked Congress MP Mallikarjun Kharge and accused him of repeatedly disrespecting the Chair.
"You (Kharge) cannot every time run down the chair. You cannot every time disrespect the chair... You stand suddenly and speak whatever you want without understanding what I am saying," an irate Dhankhar said.
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"Never in the history of this country and Parliamentary democracy and Rajya Sabha proceedings, there has been such disregard for the chair, as from you... Time for you to reflect... Your dignity has been attacked multiple times... I have always tried to protect your dignity," the Rajya Sabha Chairperson further said.
#WATCH | Delhi: Reacting to Congress MP Mallikarjun Kharge in Rajya Sabha, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar says, "... You cannot every time run down the chair. You cannot every time disrespect the chair... You stand suddenly and speak whatever you want without understanding whatâæ pic.twitter.com/3JzyTlEBKQ — ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2024
The remarks came amid a sharp exchange between Dhankhar and Kharge, who is the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Rajya Sabha. During the proceedings, Dhankhar ticked off Congress's Jairam Ramesh as he stood up to say something.
"You are so intelligent, so talented, so gifted that you should immediately come and take the seat in place of Kharge. By and large, you are doing his job, insulting him (Kharge)," Dhankhar said.
Responding to the Vice President, Kharge, pointing towards Sonia Gandhi, said, "The one who made me is sitting here. No Jairam Ramesh can make me."
"The varna (caste) system is still there in your mind. That's why you are calling Ramesh very intelligent, and I am dull," Kharge, who is a Dalit, said.
The Varna system divides society into four varnas (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishya and Shudras).
Last week, Dhankhar expressed anguish over Kharge trooping into the Well of the House during an opposition protest, saying it was for the first time that a person occupying the post of LoP had engaged in such conduct.
However, the two leaders shared several light moments on Monday.
As Kharge rose to speak during the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President's address, he said he wouldn't be able to stand for long due to knee pain. Dhankhar promptly responded, "You may address (the House) while sitting."
To this, Kharge said a speech while seated would not have an impact as one delivered while standing. The Rajya Sabha chairperson agreed and laughed, saying there is no "jazba" (passion) while sitting.
Published By: Abhishek De Published On: Jul 2, 2024
