New Delhi: Tensions ran high in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday as a heated exchange unfolded between Vice President and ex officio Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Mallikarjun Kharge, sparked by remarks from senior Congress MP Jairam Ramesh.
During Congress Party's Pramod Tiwari's speech on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address, comments made by Jairam Ramesh irked the Rajya Sabha Chairman, who sarcastically suggested that Ramesh should take Kharge's place.
"You are so intelligent, so gifted, so talented, you should immediately come and take seat in place of Mr Kharge. Because by and large you are doing his job," Dhankhar remarked.
Kharge strongly objected, accusing Dhankhar of harboring a "Varna System" mentality behind his comments.
"You have Varna system in your mind. That's why you are saying he is so intelligent and I am dull," Kharge retorted.
The Chairman clarified his intention, insisting that his remarks were not meant to be interpreted negatively.
"No..No ..please sit down Kharge Ji. One second please.. Kharge Ji you could not understand what I meant. I respect you. Even if you have a fraction of the respect I have for you..ask yourself.
"I said that you have 56 years of experience (in politics). At every step, Jairam Ramesh makes comment and wants to help you. See, just now. There is a problem which you have to sort out," Dhankhar explained.
Kharge, visibly upset, stood up and pointed to Congress Parliamentary Party leader Sonia Gandhi, emphasizing that she was instrumental in shaping his political career.
"The person who has made me what I am is sitting right here (Sonia Gandhi). Neither (Jairam) Ramesh nor you can make me what I am. People have made me," Kharge asserted.
Chairman Dhankhar responded, expressing his reluctance to engage in personal remarks.
"Please listen to me carefully. You cannot run down every time the Chair. You cannot every time show disrespect to the Chair. You stand up suddenly and say anything. You don't even understand (what I am saying).
"Never in the history of this country, never in the history of Parliamentary democracy, and Rajya Sabha proceedings there has been such disregard of the Chair as has been from you," Dhankhar remarked sternly.
The exchange highlighted deep-seated tensions and differing perceptions within the Rajya Sabha, underscoring the challenges of maintaining decorum and respect within parliamentary proceedings.
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