Dhankhar, Kharge trade barbs as RS says no to discussion on Adani case
On the opening day of the Parliament’s winter session on Monday, the Rajya Sabha saw a spat between Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge over the former’s refusal to admit any of the notices given by Opposition MPs seeking adjournment of the House to discuss various issues, including business practices of the Adani Group.
Dhankhar said he had received 13 notices under Rule 267 to suspend the listed business and discuss the charges levelled against the Adani Group by the US Justice Department. He said he had also received adjournment notices over the ethnic violence in Manipur and multiple notices to discuss the Sambhal (UP) flare-up. V Sivadasan, CPM MP from Kerala, gave a notice to take up the allegedly inadequate relief provided to the Wayanad tragedy victims.
The Chairman maintained that he had rejected all the notices as these did not conform to his earlier directives. When the Opposition members protested, Dhankhar said they must appreciate the fact that this was the 75th year of the adoption of the Constitution. Noting Kharge's vast experience as a legislator, Dhankhar said the Opposition members must respect the occasion and adhere to the ruling of the Chair. Kharge stood up and said of the 75 years since the Constitution was adopted, he had been a member of the legislature for 54 years. Dhankhar said he had acknowledged Kharge's contribution at the very outset, and that he was "hurt by the way the Leader of the Opposition had reacted to his request despite showing respect to his long stint as a lawmaker".
"Okay sir, thank you," retorted Kharge as he kept pressing for admitting the notices. Protests followed, prompting Dhankhar to briefly adjourn the House.
When the Rajya Sabha resumed at 11.45 am, Dhankhar said he had highest regard for all the members and would appreciate if the listed business was allowed to be taken up. Noting the murmur of disagreement coming from the Opposition benches, Dhankhar adjourned the House for the day.
Kharge later circulated an audio-visual statement containing various points regarding PM Modi's alleged links with Gautam Adani.
