Jagdeep Dhankhar and Mallikarjun Kharge Lock Horns Over Constitution, Farmer Roots, and Parliamentary Decorum
New Delhi, December 13: Proceedings in the Rajya Sabha were adjourned until December 16 following a fiery exchange between Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday. The uproar centered on a no-confidence motion submitted by the INDIA bloc against the Chairman, triggering heated remarks on both sides.
Expressing his frustration, Chairman Dhankhar accused the opposition of undermining constitutional values while reiterating his commitment to the country. “I am a farmer’s son; I will not show weakness. I will sacrifice my life for my country. You (opposition) have only one job 24 hours a day—question why a farmer’s son is sitting here. I have tolerated a lot, but you are insulting the Constitution,” Dhankhar declared.
Responding sharply, Mallikarjun Kharge retorted that the opposition was not there to listen to personal glorifications. “You are encouraging BJP members to speak against members of other parties. I am also a farmer’s son and have faced more challenges than you. You are insulting our party leaders and the Congress. We are here for discussions, not to hear your praises,” Kharge stated.
Dhankhar countered by questioning the opposition’s motivations. “The whole world knows whose praises you prefer. It is important that the House functions,” he remarked.
The confrontation stemmed from the no-confidence motion submitted by the INDIA bloc on December 10 to the Secretary-General of the Upper House. INDIA bloc leaders, during a joint press conference, justified their decision as a measure to “safeguard democracy and the Constitution.”
The Winter Session of Parliament, which began on November 25, has witnessed repeated disruptions, with debates often stalling over contentious issues. Both the Treasury and Opposition benches have clashed frequently, leading to adjournments in both Houses. The Winter Session is scheduled to continue until December 20.
With tensions running high and parliamentary proceedings repeatedly obstructed, the no-confidence motion is set to dominate the political discourse in the coming days.