NEW DELHI: In the midst of a heated verbal exchange between the Centre and the opposition regarding a viral video featuring suspended TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee allegedly mocking Jagdeep Dhankhar’s mannerisms, Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge conveyed his unavailability to meet the Rajya Sabha Chairman on Monday, citing his current absence from Delhi.
Kharge, in a letter to the Chairman, endorsed the call to transcend differences and animosity for the greater good. He said that the need to adhere to constitutional principles, parliamentary practices, and a democratic ethos in contrast to what he described as an authoritarian government attempting to undermine Parliament.
Agreeing with the House Chairman’s call to all members to rise above their differences and set aside all acrimony, Kharge wrote, “I agree with you that we need to move ahead. The answer lies in holding ours true to the Constitution, the Parliament the Parliamentary practices and innate belief in democracy vis-a-vis an authoritarian government that is bent upon subverting the Parliament I would like to state with all humility that the answer may not lie in a discussion in your chambers if the government is not keen on running the house. While I am currently out of Delhi. it would be my privilege and indeed my duty to meet at your earliest convenience as soon as I am back in Delhi. Wishing you all the best for 2024.”
Asserting the Chairman’s role as the custodian of the house, responsible for upholding its dignity and defending parliamentary privileges, Kharge voiced concern about the potential historical judgment against presiding officers who fail to seek accountability from the government through debates.
“The Chairman is the custodian of the house and should be at the forefront to uphold the dignity of the House, defend Parliamentary privileges, and protect people’s right of holding its government accountable through the debates, discussion and reply in Parliament,” the senior Congress leader added in his letter to Vice President Dhankhar.
He criticized the perception that suspensions facilitated legislative business without discussion by saying, “It would be distressing when history judges the presiding officers harshly for passing without debate and not seeking accountability from the government disappointing that the Hon’ble Chairman feels effecting suspensions facilitated legislative business by passing bills without discussion.”
Earlier, in a letter dated December 23, Vice President Dhankhar accused the disruptions in the winter session of Parliament, leading to the suspension of 146 MPs, as deliberate and strategic. He expressed disappointment at Kharge’s refusal to meet him, stating that such avoidance and rebuff were unprecedented and not in line with established parliamentary practices.
Dhankhar, in response to Kharge’s previous communication, urged action to align with the commitment to fostering dialogue. He lamented the absence of interaction despite repeated requests during the session.
“I wish your assertion in your December 22, 2023 communication ‘we firmly believe in fostering dialogue and discussion- was reflected in actions. During the entire session, despite my repeated requests in the House and by way of written communications to secure your indulgence for interaction, the same did not fructify,” Dhankhar said.
The Chairman invited Kharge for an interaction on December 25 or at a mutually convenient time at his official residence. This invitation followed Kharge’s letter, where he indicated the opposition’s willingness for a meaningful discussion on the security breach issue.
(With inputs from agencies)
Kharge, in a letter to the Chairman, endorsed the call to transcend differences and animosity for the greater good. He said that the need to adhere to constitutional principles, parliamentary practices, and a democratic ethos in contrast to what he described as an authoritarian government attempting to undermine Parliament.
Agreeing with the House Chairman’s call to all members to rise above their differences and set aside all acrimony, Kharge wrote, “I agree with you that we need to move ahead. The answer lies in holding ours true to the Constitution, the Parliament the Parliamentary practices and innate belief in democracy vis-a-vis an authoritarian government that is bent upon subverting the Parliament I would like to state with all humility that the answer may not lie in a discussion in your chambers if the government is not keen on running the house. While I am currently out of Delhi. it would be my privilege and indeed my duty to meet at your earliest convenience as soon as I am back in Delhi. Wishing you all the best for 2024.”
Asserting the Chairman’s role as the custodian of the house, responsible for upholding its dignity and defending parliamentary privileges, Kharge voiced concern about the potential historical judgment against presiding officers who fail to seek accountability from the government through debates.
“The Chairman is the custodian of the house and should be at the forefront to uphold the dignity of the House, defend Parliamentary privileges, and protect people’s right of holding its government accountable through the debates, discussion and reply in Parliament,” the senior Congress leader added in his letter to Vice President Dhankhar.
He criticized the perception that suspensions facilitated legislative business without discussion by saying, “It would be distressing when history judges the presiding officers harshly for passing without debate and not seeking accountability from the government disappointing that the Hon’ble Chairman feels effecting suspensions facilitated legislative business by passing bills without discussion.”
Earlier, in a letter dated December 23, Vice President Dhankhar accused the disruptions in the winter session of Parliament, leading to the suspension of 146 MPs, as deliberate and strategic. He expressed disappointment at Kharge’s refusal to meet him, stating that such avoidance and rebuff were unprecedented and not in line with established parliamentary practices.
Dhankhar, in response to Kharge’s previous communication, urged action to align with the commitment to fostering dialogue. He lamented the absence of interaction despite repeated requests during the session.
“I wish your assertion in your December 22, 2023 communication ‘we firmly believe in fostering dialogue and discussion- was reflected in actions. During the entire session, despite my repeated requests in the House and by way of written communications to secure your indulgence for interaction, the same did not fructify,” Dhankhar said.
The Chairman invited Kharge for an interaction on December 25 or at a mutually convenient time at his official residence. This invitation followed Kharge’s letter, where he indicated the opposition’s willingness for a meaningful discussion on the security breach issue.
(With inputs from agencies)