On Friday, a heated confrontation unfolded in the Rajya Sabha between Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan and Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar. The incident, marked by sharp exchanges and heightened emotions, revolved around accusations of disrespect and decorum. The altercation not only highlighted tensions between individual members but also drew attention to broader issues of parliamentary conduct and respect.
The clash began when Jaya Bachchan criticized Jagdeep Dhankhar’s tone, declaring it “not acceptable” during a parliamentary session. The remarks were made in the context of a prior row between Bachchan and Dhankhar, which had already set the stage for tension. In her statement, Bachchan prefaced her criticism by introducing herself as “Jaya Amitabh Bachchan,” a move seen as a pointed reference to their earlier disagreements. Dhankhar, visibly agitated, responded forcefully. He rejected Bachchan’s critique, asserting, “I don’t want a schooling!” and emphasizing that, despite her celebrity status, she must adhere to parliamentary decorum. He continued, “You may be a celebrity, but you have to understand the decorum,” and rebuffed her attempts to explain, repeatedly instructing her to “take your seat.”
The confrontation escalated as Bachchan attempted to argue her case, leading to increased noise and disorder in the chamber. Dhankhar’s frustration became evident as he insisted that he did not wish to tolerate any further disruptions. His statements, including “You may be anybody… you may be a celebrity (but) you have to understand the decorum,” further fueled the debate on the appropriate conduct expected within the House. Following the incident, opposition MPs, led by Congress veteran Sonia Gandhi, walked out in support of Bachchan. They accused Dhankhar of being biased and dismissive of the opposition’s voices. This walkout was a strategic move to protest what they perceived as systemic disrespect towards opposition members. Outside Parliament, Bachchan and her supporters voiced their grievances. Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh and other opposition leaders, including Trinamool Congress’s Derek O’Brien and Shiv Sena’s Priyanka Chaturvedi, condemned the Chairperson’s behavior. They argued that Bachchan, with her extensive parliamentary experience, deserved respect and that the treatment of opposition members was unfair compared to that of ruling party members. In her comments to the press, Bachchan expressed her humiliation, criticizing Dhankhar’s tone and the overall treatment of opposition MPs. She pointed out that words like “nuisance” were used against her, suggesting a disrespectful approach towards women and seasoned politicians. She also criticized Dhankhar for switching off the microphone of the Leader of the Opposition, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, further illustrating the contentious nature of the session.
In response to the opposition’s walkout, BJP leaders, including party chief JP Nadda and Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, condemned the protest. They labeled the opposition’s actions as “indecent and irresponsible,” accusing them of undermining democratic values and attempting to destabilize the country. Nadda accused the opposition of shifting from party opposition to anti-national sentiments, while Chouhan highlighted the unruly behavior of the opposition as an insult to democratic principles.
The clash between Jaya Bachchan and Jagdeep Dhankhar in the Rajya Sabha has underscored significant tensions within Indian parliamentary proceedings. The fallout from this confrontation has sparked widespread debate about the standards of conduct expected in Parliament and the role of personal reputation in political discourse. As both sides continue to navigate the aftermath, the incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between authority and respect within legislative bodies.
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