India

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar Condemns Opposition Walkout

On Thursday, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar briefly exited the House while denouncing the behavior of opposition members who staged a walkout. The protest followed Dhankhar’s refusal to permit a discussion on the disqualification of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics.

Chairman Dhankhar’s Exit

As Rajya Sabha proceedings began, chaos erupted in the House, prompting Dhankhar to leave his seat emotionally. “I have only one option, with a sad heart… I am not going away from my oath, but what I have seen today, is the way I have been treated. Physically, I am not able to sit here,” he stated before departing.

Opposition’s Reaction

Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge raised concerns about Phogat’s disqualification, questioning, “Who is behind this and how only 100 grams led to her disqualification?” The Chairman denied permission to discuss the issue, leading to opposition MPs, including Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien, creating a commotion with slogans against the Centre.

Chairman’s Condemnation

Dhankhar condemned the conduct of Trinamool Congress members, particularly targeting O’Brien. “Mr Derek O’Brien, you are shouting at the Chair. Your conduct is the ugliest in the House. I condemn your action. Next time, I will show you the door. How dare you shout at the Chair?” Dhankhar declared.

He criticized the broader implications of the opposition’s actions, reflecting, “We have seen the ugliest of scenes. We saw a dark phase of our democracy during the Emergency. It starts with challenging the Parliamentary institutions, and there is a challenge here.”

Support for Phogat

Dhankhar expressed national sympathy for Phogat, saying, “The entire nation is in pain because of our girl. From the President to the Prime Minister to myself, everyone is hurt by the situation. But to monetise and politicise it is the greatest disrespect to the girl. That girl has a long way to go.” He commended the Haryana government’s prompt support, which included financial relief and commendations for Phogat.

Also read: President Droupadi Murmu Urges For Deep Education Relationship Between India, New Zealand

Leader of the House J.P. Nadda condemned the Opposition’s behavior, emphasizing national unity. “The people who are working in the Parliamentary system for a long time, this behavior is questionable and a matter of concern,” he said.

Nadda reiterated the nation’s support for Phogat, quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who labeled her a “champion of champions.” He criticized the politicization of the issue, stating, “The entire nation is standing with Vinesh. It is disheartening that this issue is being politicised.”

He concluded by affirming the government’s commitment to resolving the issue, asserting, “When the entire nation is standing with Vinesh, and all efforts are being made by the government, Sports Ministry, and the Olympic Association to seek redressal on this issue, it is clear that the opposition lacks any solid issue to raise.”

Kavya Bhatt

Recent Posts

ISRO Successfully Completes Second Satellite Docking In Spadex Mission

ISRO successfully completed the second satellite docking as part of its Spadex mission, marking a…

22 mins ago

Saudi Business Leader Hani Kayal Welcomes PM Modi’s Visit; Highlights Opportunities For India-Saudi Collaboration

Ahead of PM Modi's visit to Jeddah, Saudi businessman Hani Kayal expressed enthusiasm for the…

43 mins ago

EPFO Adds 16.10 Lakh Net Members In February; Youth & Female Participation On The Rise

EPFO added 16.10 lakh members in February 2025 amid rising jobs and growing youth, women…

46 mins ago

KVIC Records Historic ₹1.70 Lakh Crore Turnover; Boosts Rural Empowerment

KVIC has achieved a historic milestone with its turnover crossing ₹1.70 lakh crore for the…

59 mins ago

Royal Saudi Air Force Escorts PM Modi’s Aircraft As He Heads To Jeddah

F-15 jets of the Royal Saudi Air Force escorted PM Modi’s aircraft over Jeddah airspace…

1 hour ago

Second BrahMos Missile Batch Dispatched To Philippines As India Boosts Defence Exports

India has sent the second batch of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines, advancing its defence…

2 hours ago