New Delhi: On Wednesday, the I.N.D.I.A bloc intensified its criticism of the Rajya Sabha Chairman, with Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge asserting that Jagdeep Dhankhar has become a “spokesperson for the government” in pursuit of his “next promotion,” labeling him the “biggest disruptor” in the Upper House as politics now outweighs established rules.
Following their notice to remove him as Vice President, several floor leaders from the I.N.D.I.A bloc in the Rajya Sabha, including representatives from Congress, DMK, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, RJD, Shiv Sena (UBT), JMM, CPI(M), CPI, and NCP, held a joint press conference to express their reasons for this action.
Kharge expressed disappointment that, on the 75th anniversary of the House’s adoption, they felt compelled to take action against the Chairman due to his “biased and partisan” behavior and his open affiliation with the RSS.
He stated that such conduct undermines the dignity of his position, especially as he views opposition leaders as adversaries. “We are weary of his partiality, which is why we filed the notice for his removal.
His actions signify a breach of protocol and a betrayal of the Constitution and the people of India,” he remarked. He asserted that the Chairman’s behavior contradicts the dignity of his role, as he targets opposition leaders and praises the government excessively.
“Politics has overshadowed rules in the Rajya Sabha, and the Chairman has exhibited partisan behavior,” Kharge added, characterizing Dhankhar’s approach as that of a headmaster often lecturing MPs. He claimed that opposition leaders are frequently silenced and that Dhankhar operates without adhering to constitutional procedures, acting in favor of the ruling party.
“He is the primary reason for any disruptions in the House,” Kharge claimed. Kharge also accused Dhankhar of “openly encouraging and provoking” members of the Treasury benches to make “outrageous remarks” towards opposition MPs. Notably, the press conference marked a rare collaboration between Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party, which had been absent during I.N.D.I.A protest related to Adani in Parliament, alongside Congress and other partners.
Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh mentioned that AAP could not attend as their leaders were engaged with the Election Commission at that time. Sanjay Raut from Shiv Sena (UBT) remarked that the Chairman seems to be managing a circus rather than Parliament. DMK’s Tiruchi Siva highlighted the “blatant attack” on various opposition leaders who were also present at the press meet.
