Rajya Sabha Showdown: Jagdeep Dhankhar Clashes with Jaya Bachchan Over “Tone” Remark
The Rajya Sabha witnessed a heated exchange between Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar and Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan, leading to a walkout by Opposition MPs. The confrontation began when Bachchan criticized Dhankhar’s tone during a session, escalating tensions in the Upper House.
The Exchange
The incident unfolded when Bachchan objected to the way Dhankhar addressed the House, particularly concerning a previous interaction between BJP MP Ghanshyam Tiwari and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge. Bachchan’s remark that the Chair’s “tone is not right” triggered a sharp response from Dhankhar, who reminded her of the importance of decorum in the House.
“You may be anybody… You may be a celebrity… You have to understand the decorum,” Dhankhar stated, emphasizing that reputations are built through actions, not just titles. He further added, “Every day, I don’t want to do schooling. You are talking about my tone? Enough of it.”
Opposition Walkout
As Dhankhar continued to assert his position, the situation escalated with Opposition MPs, led by Congress veteran Sonia Gandhi, staging a walkout. Dhankhar criticized the move, accusing the Opposition of attempting to destabilize the proceedings and disrespecting the Constitution.
Despite the walkout, Dhankhar stood firm, insisting that maintaining order and decorum in the House is paramount. He also reminded members that every individual in the Rajya Sabha brings their own reputation and should contribute positively to the democratic process.
Union Minister J P Nadda’s Motion
Following the heated exchange, Union Minister J P Nadda, Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha, moved a censure motion against Bachchan for her remarks targeting Dhankhar. The motion further highlighted the deepening rift between the ruling party and the Opposition.
Background of the Tension
This clash was not the first between Dhankhar and Bachchan. Earlier in the week, Bachchan had a disagreement with Dhankhar over the use of her husband Amitabh Bachchan’s name in the House. She had expressed her pride in her association with Amitabh, but questioned the practice of addressing her by her husband’s name, which she described as a “new drama.”
Dhankhar responded by clarifying that the Chair uses the name on the election certificate and suggested that Bachchan could have it changed if she preferred.
The confrontation in the Rajya Sabha highlights the growing tensions between the Chair and the Opposition, with issues of decorum and respect at the center of the debate. As Parliament continues to grapple with these challenges, the need for maintaining order and fostering constructive dialogue remains crucial.