New Delhi [India], December 11 : Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday strongly criticized the Congress party over its no-confidence motion against Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, asserting that the government would “protect” the dignity of the Rajya Sabha Chairman. Rijiju emphasized that Dhankar, a “son of a farmer,” had upheld the respect and dignity of the House, and that any attack on the Chairman would not be tolerated.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Rijiju said, “If you can’t respect the Chair, you have no right to be members. We have sworn to protect the sovereignty of the country.” He also accused Congress of aligning with “anti-India forces,” pointing to alleged ties between the party and American billionaire George Soros. He further stated, “Congress should apologize to the nation for this.”
The remarks triggered a strong reaction from opposition members, particularly from Congress, leading to chaos in the House. Amidst the uproar, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned till noon.
The opposition, led by the Congress party as part of the INDIA bloc, had submitted a no-confidence motion against Dhankar, alleging bias and demanding a discussion on issues like the Adani controversy. Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan condemned the government for stifling debate in Parliament, stating, “It is for the first time in history that a No Confidence motion is being moved against the Speaker. They don’t want the House to run.”
Congress leader Manish Tewari also weighed in, stating that the move to impeach the Rajya Sabha Chairman raised questions about his impartiality, adding that such actions highlighted the need for impartiality in the selection of presiding officers.
On Tuesday, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha sessions were adjourned early due to disruptive behavior from members of both opposition and ruling benches. The Winter Session of Parliament, which began on November 25, is scheduled to run until December 20.