The Winter Session of Parliament began with a heated confrontation in the Rajya Sabha as Union Minister Kiren Rijiju accused Opposition Leader Mallikarjun Kharge of using “insulting” and “unkind” language in the removal notice and references to former Vice-President and RS Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. Rijiju said the Opposition had “tarnished the dignity of the Chair” and urged members not to make unnecessary remarks during a solemn occasion.
Kharge, however, expressed concern over Dhankhar’s abrupt exit, calling it “unexpected and unprecedented in parliamentary history.” He said the House was deprived of the chance to bid farewell and stressed that the Chair belongs equally to both the government and the opposition.
Welcoming new RS Chairman CP Radhakrishnan, Kharge urged him to act impartially and consider both sides fairly. Citing former President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, he said democracy thrives only when the opposition can criticize freely and fairly. Responding to PM Modi’s earlier comments, Kharge added the opposition is ready to give a “strong reply.”
