‘Sonia Gandhi Made Me’: Mallikarjun Kharge’s Fiery Response to Jagdeep Dhankhar

In a heated session in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar reprimanded Congress MP Mallikarjun Kharge, accusing him of repeatedly disrespecting the Chair.

“You (Kharge) cannot always undermine the chair. You cannot always disrespect the chair… You stand up suddenly and speak whatever you want without understanding what I am saying,” an irate Dhankhar said.

Dhankhar continued, “Never in the history of this country and Parliamentary democracy and Rajya Sabha proceedings, has there been such disregard for the chair, as from you… Time for you to reflect… Your dignity has been attacked multiple times… I have always tried to protect your dignity.”

The remarks came during a sharp exchange between Dhankhar and Kharge, who is the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Rajya Sabha. During the proceedings, Dhankhar also reprimanded Congress’s Jairam Ramesh when he stood up to speak.

“You are so intelligent, so talented, so gifted that you should immediately come and take the seat in place of Kharge. By and large, you are doing his job, insulting him (Kharge),” Dhankhar said.

In response, Kharge pointed towards Sonia Gandhi and said, “The one who made me is sitting here. No Jairam Ramesh can make me.”

Kharge, who is a Dalit, added, “The varna (caste) system is still there in your mind. That’s why you are calling Ramesh very intelligent, and I am dull.”

The Varna system divides society into four categories: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.

Last week, Dhankhar expressed his disappointment over Kharge entering the Well of the House during an opposition protest, saying it was the first time a Leader of the Opposition had behaved in such a manner.

However, the two leaders shared some light moments on Monday. When Kharge rose to speak during the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address, he mentioned he couldn’t stand for long due to knee pain. Dhankhar promptly responded, “You may address (the House) while sitting.”

Kharge replied that a speech given while seated wouldn’t have the same impact as one delivered while standing. Dhankhar agreed and laughed, saying there is no “jazba” (passion) while sitting.

Published By: Abhishek De Published On: Jul 2, 2024