Kharge Slams Dhankhar: Calls Him RSS’s Eklavya; Lists 4 Reasons for No-Confidence Motion
The INDIA Bloc held a press conference on Wednesday regarding the no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Dhankhar, stating, “The Chairman behaves like a school principal in the Rajya Sabha. If an opposition MP gives a 5-minute speech, he comments on it for 10 minutes.”
Speaker Views Opposition Leaders as Adversaries
Kharge further alleged that the Speaker considers opposition leaders as adversaries, regardless of their seniority. He accused Dhankhar of making objectionable remarks and insulting opposition leaders, which forced them to bring the no-confidence motion.
Four Reasons for the No-Confidence Motion
- The Rajya Sabha includes experienced leaders, journalists, writers, and professors, many of whom have decades of experience. Yet, the Chairman delivers sermons even to leaders with 40 years of experience.
- Opposition members seek the Chair’s impartiality, but when the Chair praises the Prime Minister and the ruling party, opposition voices are ignored.
- Over the past three years, Dhankhar’s conduct has undermined the dignity of his position, oscillating between praising the government and identifying himself with RSS ideologies.
- The Chairman often shields the government when opposition members raise questions.
Kharge clarified that the motion is not a personal attack but a step taken to uphold the Constitution and democracy.
Kharge Recalls Radhakrishnan’s Example
Kharge cited the example of the first Rajya Sabha Chairman, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, who, in 1952, told MPs that he belonged to no party but was connected to every party. This contrasts with today’s Chairman, who prioritizes politics over rules.
Opposition Accuses Dhankhar of Silencing Voices
TMC leader Nadimul Haque expressed feeling alienated due to Dhankhar’s behavior, claiming opposition MPs are not given opportunities to speak, while the ruling party gets ample time.
SP leader Javed Ali Khan added that the Chairman often orders that opposition remarks not be recorded, making it disheartening to bring a no-confidence motion against the country’s second-highest office.
RJD leader Manoj Jha lamented the language used by ruling party leaders and questioned whether democracy could be preserved if there were a change in government tomorrow.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said he has seen four chairpersons in his 22 years in Parliament but never witnessed such a situation. He accused the Chairman of running the Parliament like a circus.
DMK leader Tiruchi Siva added that opposition leaders’ microphones are often switched off, while the ruling party’s statements dominate the headlines.
Uproar in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Over No-Confidence Motion
Earlier today, both houses witnessed uproar over the no-confidence motion. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned until tomorrow, and the Lok Sabha until 2 PM.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stated, “Our aim is to keep the Parliament running and encourage discussions. It doesn’t matter what the ruling party says about me; we want a debate on the Constitution on December 13.”
Opposition Submits No-Confidence Motion
On the 10th day of the winter session, opposition MPs submitted a notice of no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chairman Dhankhar to Secretary General P.C. Mody.
BJP President JP Nadda Responds
BJP President JP Nadda criticized the no-confidence motion, questioning the relationship between George Soros and Sonia Gandhi. He claimed it raises concerns about internal and external security as well as sovereignty. Nadda accused the opposition of bringing the motion to target the government while avoiding discussions on critical issues like Soros.
