A session of the Rajya Sabha witnessed a sharp exchange on Monday, as members from the treasury benches strongly objected to remarks made by Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge. The controversy centred around Kharge's reference to the "sudden" exit of Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar from the House.
The Spark of Controversy
During his address, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge made an observation regarding the departure of Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar from the presiding officer's chair. Kharge described this exit as "sudden," a characterisation that immediately drew protests from the treasury benches. The members objected to the phrasing, leading to a brief but significant disruption in the parliamentary proceedings.
Congress's Stance on Parliamentary Traditions
Amid the objections, Mallikarjun Kharge stood firm and elaborated on his party's position. He stated that the Indian National Congress "staunchly stands by Constitutional values and time-honoured Parliamentary traditions." This declaration was made to underscore his party's commitment to the established norms and decorum of the legislature, even as he raised a point of order concerning the conduct of the session.
The incident, which took place on 01 December 2025, highlights the ongoing tensions and procedural debates that often mark the winter session of Parliament. While the specific context of the discussion preceding Kharge's comment was not detailed in the initial report, the reaction it provoked underscores the sensitive nature of observations made about the presiding officer's actions.
Implications for Parliamentary Discourse
This event is more than a mere war of words; it touches upon core principles of parliamentary democracy. The opposition's right to question and the government's defence of the chair's actions represent a fundamental dynamic of the Indian Parliament. Such exchanges, while heated, are part of the checks and balances inherent in the system.
The key facts remain clear:
- The event occurred in the Rajya Sabha.
- Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition, made the remarks.
- The remarks pertained to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's exit from the chair.
- Treasury bench members registered a strong objection.
- Kharge reaffirmed the Congress party's dedication to Constitutional values.
Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between robust debate and parliamentary propriety, a balance that is continually negotiated on the floor of the House.
