Rajya Sabha Drama: Kharge's Remarks on Dhankhar's Exit Spark BJP Backlash in Parliament

New Delhi:

Congress national president and Rajya Sabha Opposition Leader Mallikarjun Kharge extended congratulations to Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Monday upon his assumption of the Rajya Sabha Chairman position, while simultaneously expressing the Opposition's regret at being unable to formally bid farewell to former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar following his unexpected resignation.

In his address, Kharge reminded Radhakrishnan of his early political ties with the Congress and emphasized the importance of maintaining impartiality, warning that any bias favoring the ruling party could be "dangerous" for democratic processes.

Radhakrishnan, previously serving as Maharashtra Governor, secured the Vice President position with 452 votes, defeating INDIA bloc candidate Sudarshen Reddy in the election.

During his formal greeting in the House, Kharge stated, "I rise today representing myself and all opposition members to sincerely congratulate you on assuming the office of Chairman of Rajya Sabha."

He referenced former President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, saying, "I find it appropriate to quote Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who on May 16, 1952, said 'I belong to no party.' I mention this because many have claimed you belong to their party. He also said 'A democracy is likely to degenerate into a tyranny if it does not allow the Opposition groups to criticise fairly, freely and frankly the policies of the government.'"

Highlighting the Vice President's Congress connection, Kharge mentioned Radhakrishnan's paternal uncle CK Kuppuswamy, who served as a three-time Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore, noting that Radhakrishnan later represented the same constituency.

"I urge you to maintain balanced oversight and not favor only the Treasury benches, as that can prove dangerous; equally dangerous would be neglecting the Opposition benches. Maintaining equilibrium between both sides is essential, and I wish you success in your tenure," he remarked.

Emphasizing Radhakrishnan's political background, Kharge added, "I hope you remember that your political roots lie in the Congress party."

Addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pre-Winter Session comments, Kharge noted, "The Prime Minister has delivered strong remarks outside and held a press conference indirectly criticizing us. We will, however, respond to those points within the House."

He also expressed disappointment regarding Dhankhar's abrupt departure, stating, "I hope you understand my need to reference your predecessor's unexpected and sudden exit from the office of Chairman, which stands unprecedented in parliamentary history."

"The Rajya Sabha Chairman, as custodian of the entire House, belongs equally to Opposition and government. I regret that the House missed the opportunity to bid him farewell. Nevertheless, on behalf of all Opposition members, I wish him good health and a long life," Kharge added.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju strongly objected to Kharge raising Dhankhar's resignation during the session, deeming it inappropriate for the occasion.

Criticizing Congress, Rijiju said, "Kharge ji, the actions of you, your Lok Sabha Opposition Leader, and your chief whip Jairam Ramesh—I prefer not mentioning them in the House today. In a democracy, mutual respect is essential. His reference to this matter is unfortunate. I must remind the House about the disrespectful language you used against the former Vice President and Chairman."

"Consider the words and language you directed at the former Chairman. The removal motion you submitted, which we still possess. The language used against the former Vice President severely damaged the dignity of the Chair. On this solemn occasion, I appeal to you not to bring up matters inappropriate for this moment," Rijiju added.

Jagdeep Dhankhar had submitted his resignation on July 21, the first day of Parliament's Monsoon Session, citing health concerns as his reason for stepping down.