Jagdeep Dhankhar vs Mallikarjun Kharge: Emotions ran high on the final day of the Budget Session in Parliament as Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge engaged in a heated exchange following a dispute over the allocation of speaking time to RLDs Jayant Singh. The altercation, marked by accusations and recriminations, underscored the frayed relations between political adversaries within the legislative chamber.The Dispute UnfoldsThe flashpoint occurred when Jagdeep Dhankhar invited Jayant Singh to address the House without prior indication, sparking objections from Congress MPs who claimed procedural irregularities. Tensions escalated when Congress leader Jairam Ramesh made veiled remarks questioning Singhs political affiliations, drawing sharp rebuke from Dhankhar who deemed Ramesh unfit for parliamentary decorum.A War of WordsIn a charged atmosphere, Dhankhar lambasted Rameshs conduct, accusing him of violating parliamentary norms. The Chairmans condemnation extended beyond Ramesh to encompass broader concerns about the dignity of the House. Mallikarjun Kharge intervened, critiquing the Chairs discretion in granting speaking time and highlighting perceived biases in decision-making.Calls for ApologyUnion Minister Piyush Goyal demanded an apology from Kharge, alleging disrespect towards the Chair. Amidst the uproar, Dhankhar defended his decision to allow Jayant Singh to speak and underscored the need for a respectful discourse, particularly when honouring national leaders.Reflecting on the FrayExpressing anguish over the episode, Dhankhar revealed his deep sense of hurt, comparing it to personal tragedies he has endured. The Chairman lamented the degradation of parliamentary decorum and underscored the need for sensitivity and respect in political discourse.A Painful DenouementAs the session drew to a close, Dhankhar urged members to reflect on the broader implications of their conduct. Despite the acrimony, he remained steadfast in his commitment to upholding parliamentary integrity and fostering a culture of mutual respect.Significance of the SessionThe contentious session, marred by confrontations and verbal sparring, concluded against the backdrop of significant announcements, including the conferment of the Bharat Ratna on Chaudhary Charan Singh, PV Narasimha Rao, and MS Swaminathan. The exchange between Dhankhar and Kharge underscored the polarised nature of contemporary politics, setting the stage for future confrontations in the political arena.
