On Friday, Parliament experienced a vigorous confrontation between Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar and Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan, following her criticism of the Chair’s “tone” in the Upper House. The exchange quickly intensified, leading to a walkout by the Opposition MPs.
“You may hold any position… You may be a public figure… It is essential to uphold decorum… I will not tolerate it… Do not assume that only you can establish reputations,” Dhankhar remarked to Bachchan after she referenced his comments concerning a July 31 interaction between BJP MP Ghanshyam Tiwari and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge. Kharge had called for the removal of Tiwari’s statements from the official records.
On Friday, Congress Member of Parliament Jairam Ramesh inquired about the Chair’s ruling on a particular issue and sought clarification from Dhankhar. In response, Dhankhar stated, “Mallikarjun Kharge and Ghanshyam Tiwari accepted my invitation for a detailed discussion. During our conversation, Tiwari expressed his admiration for Kharge and indicated his willingness to offer an apology in the House.” Dhankhar emphasized that Tiwari was merely “praising” Kharge in Sanskrit and intended no offense. This assertion prompted a strong reaction from Opposition MPs, who accused the Chair of favoring Tiwari. While Congress members called for an apology from Tiwari, the Chair maintained that the matter had been amicably resolved in private discussions with the relevant members.
Subsequently, Dhankhar invited Bachchan to address the issue as the final speaker on the topic. “As an artist, I am attuned to body language and expressions. However, your tone is inappropriate. We are your colleagues, yet your tone is unacceptable,” Bachchan remarked.
In the midst of the turmoil within the Upper House, Dhankhar responded forcefully, stating, “Jaya ji, you have established a commendable reputation. It is understood that an actor must adhere to the director’s guidance. However, I do not wish to reiterate myself daily. I do not intend to engage in constant admonishment. You question my tone? That is enough. Regardless of your status, it is imperative to recognize the importance of decorum. Celebrity status does not exempt one from this expectation.”
Dhankhar urged the Opposition Members of Parliament to cease their protests and take their seats, but his requests were ignored. “Do not assume that only you are responsible for building reputations. We arrive here with our own reputations and strive to uphold them,” he asserted. Other members of the Opposition questioned the Rajya Sabha chairperson regarding his reference to Bachchan as a celebrity, emphasizing her seniority as a Member of Parliament. In response, he remarked, “A senior member of Parliament possesses the authority to undermine the chair’s reputation… To challenge my tone and manner… I must react to manage the situation. I hold the utmost respect, but to make this a habitual practice… my tone, my language, my temperament are not dictated by others. I follow my own script. I am not controlled by anyone.”
Despite Dhankhar’s statements, Opposition MPs, led by veteran Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, staged a walkout.
“I am aware of your intentions to destabilize the nation. You aim to incite disorder within this House. I refuse to allow this House to become, Mr. Kharge, a center of disruption. You are intent on pursuing your agenda at the expense of the Constitution. This behavior reflects a lack of decorum, a disregard for democracy, and a disrespect for the Constitution. You are neglecting your responsibilities. You are abandoning your duties. Esteemed members, they choose not to engage. They are skilled only in fostering chaos,” Dhankhar declared.
Subsequently, Union Minister J P Nadda, who also serves as the Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha, introduced a censure motion against Bachchan for her comments directed at Dhankhar.
Earlier on Monday, Bachchan engaged in a discussion with Dhankhar regarding the mention of her husband’s name, “Amitabh,” when she was addressed by the Chair. She remarked, “Sir, I trust you are aware of the significance of Amitabh. I take pride in my marriage and my husband’s accomplishments. However, this is a new development initiated by your side. Such occurrences were not common in the past.” In response, Dhankhar informed the Samajwadi Party MP that the Chair refers to the name listed on the election certificate, and she has the option to have it amended if she so desires.
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