In welcoming the Chairman on his inaugural day in the Rajya Sabha on behalf of the Opposition parties, Kharge also referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comments at the start of the Winter Session, noting they would respond at a later time.
He asserted that the Congress “steadfastly upholds Constitutional values and cherished Parliamentary traditions”.
“Rest assured, we will cooperate in the conduct of proceedings.”
However, he emphasized, “Fair and impartial conduct of proceedings, ensuring each party has a just opportunity, is vital for the credibility of this office.”
Kharge mentioned Dhankhar’s resignation from the Vice-Presidential post on July 21 due to health concerns.
“I must mention your predecessor’s unexpected and sudden departure from the office of Chairman, an unprecedented event in Parliamentary history… The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, as its custodian, belongs equally to the opposition and the government,” Kharge stated, provoking uproar from the ruling party benches.
“I felt it was disheartening that this House did not have the chance to bid him farewell,” he added.
Kharge also noted that Radhakrishnan is related to former three-term Lok Sabha MP CK Kuppuswamy, a Congress member.
“It would be wise to maintain a balance between both sides. I wish you a fruitful term… The background you hail from was mentioned by the PM, but remember that you come from a Congress family,” he remarked.
“Additionally, the PM made remarks outside (Parliament). He indirectly attacked us as well; we will respond to it here…” he added.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, meanwhile, criticized the Leader of Opposition for mentioning Dhankhar’s resignation during this “solemn occasion”.
“This is a very grave occasion… The Prime Minister has expressed dignified remarks as part of the felicitation event… Why did the honourable Leader of Opposition bring up a matter that should not have been raised at this moment?” Rijiju questioned.
“The language you employed regarding the former chairman, the way you insulted him, the motion you proposed, we still possess a copy of it…” he remarked.
He was referring to a motion for the removal of the Vice-President that Opposition parties submitted while Dhankhar held office.
Leader of the House JP Nadda also stepped in, urging members to uphold the dignity of the occasion. He also mentioned the losses experienced by the opposition alliance, including Congress, in the recent Bihar assembly elections.
“This event is a sacred occasion. We must maintain its dignity. The issue raised by the Leader of Opposition is irrelevant if we begin discussing it… We must also note that you brought a no-confidence motion against him twice. This creates an obstacle to the positive and congenial debate at hand,” Nadda said.
“Regarding what the Prime Minister said outside… The losses in Bihar and Haryana must have been quite painful for you… Address it when the time is right,” he remarked.
Speaking to the media on the first day of the Winter Session of Parliament, Prime Minister Modi stated that the opposition was troubled by its electoral losses in Bihar and was struggling to accept its defeat.
“Defeat should not be a catalyst for disruption. Neither should victory morph into arrogance,” the Prime Minister expressed.
Parliament is not a stage for drama; it is a place for action, he added, stressing it should not be utilized by the Opposition to vent frustrations following electoral defeats.
