NATIONAL: Kharge Questions Dhankhar’s Sudden Resignation in Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha kicked off its Winter Session on Monday with a mix of warm tributes and sharp exchanges, as members welcomed Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan to the Chairman’s seat for the first time.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi set a positive tone, praising Radhakrishnan’s journey from humble roots to high office and his role in upholding democratic values during tough times.
Modi highlighted Radhakrishnan’s early activism against authoritarian measures in the 1970s, calling him a steadfast guardian of liberty.
The Prime Minister assured the new Chairman of the House’s commitment to preserving the institution’s prestige while fostering productive dialogue.
Kharge’s Tribute Turns Pointed
Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge followed with congratulations on behalf of the opposition bloc, extending best wishes for a tenure marked by fairness.
He gently reminded Radhakrishnan of his roots in the Congress ecosystem, noting family ties to a longtime party lawmaker from Tamil Nadu.
Kharge urged the Chairman to strike an even keel between government and opposition voices, ensuring all members get a fair shot at airing concerns.
He quoted former President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, stressing that true impartiality means rising above party lines to protect democratic discourse.
In a poignant aside, Kharge expressed regret over the abrupt departure of former Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, who stepped down in July citing health concerns.
He called the exit unprecedented, lamenting that the House missed a chance to honor Dhankhar with a proper send-off, a tradition for past occupants of the role.
Kharge clarified that his remarks stemmed from institutional respect, not politics, and extended personal well-wishes for Dhankhar’s well-being.
He also touched on recent comments from the Prime Minister outside Parliament, vowing a measured response within the chamber’s walls.
Treasury Benches Erupt in Protest
The opposition leader’s nod to Dhankhar quickly ignited backlash from ruling party members, who viewed it as out of place for the celebratory moment.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju led the charge, questioning why Kharge would dredge up the past on such a dignified occasion.
Rijiju pointed to prior opposition moves, including a now-dismissed impeachment bid against Dhankhar, as evidence of inconsistent respect for the Chair.
He accused the Congress of past slights that undermined the office’s stature, urging a focus on forward momentum instead.
Leader of the House J.P. Nadda joined in, appealing for decorum and suggesting Kharge channel any lingering frustrations through proper channels rather than the floor.
Nadda quipped that if the pain ran deep, a doctor’s visit might help, drawing murmurs across the aisle.
The new chairman intervened calmly, calling for order and steering the session back to its agenda.
Radhakrishnan, a seasoned BJP figure with gubernatorial experience in multiple states, pledged his dedication to seamless proceedings and equitable treatment for all.
Echoes of a Sudden Shift
Dhankhar’s resignation on July 21 caught many off guard, coming right as the Monsoon Session began and well before his term’s end.
Elected in 2022, he had navigated stormy waters, including clashes with opposition benches over procedural calls and heated debates.
His exit letter to President Droupadi Murmu emphasized medical advice as the driving factor, sparking speculation about underlying pressures despite official accounts.
Radhakrishnan stepped in after a swift election in September, securing a comfortable majority over the opposition’s nominee.
Opposition voices, including Kharge, have since pressed for closure, arguing that a farewell would have bridged divides and affirmed parliamentary norms.
Yet the episode underscores ongoing frictions, with both sides trading barbs over perceived slights to democratic guardrails.
Core Calls for Balance
- Impartial Oversight: Kharge stressed equal airtime for all, warning that favoritism erodes trust in the Chair.
- Farewell Tradition: No formal goodbye for Dhankhar broke with precedent, leaving a sour note for some.
- Health as Stated Cause: Dhankhar’s July move cited wellness needs, though whispers of more persist.
- Modi’s Opening Pitch: The PM advocated for new MPs’ voices, decrying theatrics in favor of substance.
As the session unfolds through December 19, these opening salvos signal a chamber ready for robust exchanges.
Radhakrishnan’s early test lies in threading unity amid division, keeping the focus on lawmaking over lingering grudges.