Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha (RS) Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday accused Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice-President Jagdep Dhankhar of misusing his power. Kharge alleged that muzzling the Opposition’s ‘right to speak’, and ‘expression of opinion’ in Rajya Sabha has now become a norm.
Dhankar was indulging in “arbitrary, mala fide expunging of critical portions of speeches by Opposition members,” Kharge said.
“He routinely directs arbitrary and malafide expunging of critical portions of Opposition members’ speeches, including those by the Leader of the Opposition,” Kharge said.
The Congress president blamed Dhankar of “persistent heckling”, and “unwarranted insistence on authentication”in order to throttle Opposition’s freedom of expression.
“Dhankhar repeatedly criticised Oppn leaders outside House, often echoing the ruling party’s arguments… He displays unwarranted sycophancy towards the government within the House and outside,” Kharge said.
On Tuesday, the Opposition led by the Congress submitted a no-confidence motion against the RS Chairman.
In a post on microblogging platform X, Kharge wrote: “While trampling of ‘democracy’ and ‘subjugation of truth’ has become the autocratic norm in Rajya Sabha… assault on established ‘parliamentary practices’ is promoted and ‘ethical conduct’ stands liquidated in Rajya Sabha…our resolve to uphold the Constitution, defend the sacred chamber of Democracy, stand in defence of time-honoured Parliamentary practices becomes even stronger and steadfast in face of this brutal, lethal and obtrusive assault being unleashed”.
The Congress chief questioned Kharge’s “comments” on walkouts by the Opposition members, a practice that Kharge said was a “well-honoured Parliamentary tool”.
Questioning the chair’s impartiality, Kharge said: “The Chairman has never permitted any discussion under Rule 267, nor has he allowed Opposition members to explain their notices under this rule. In contrast, ruling party members are often allowed to elaborate on their notices without restriction”.
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