Introduction
The hallowed halls of India’s Rajya Sabha witnessed a dramatic showdown on August 9th, 2024, as Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan demanded an apology from Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, accusing him of being “disrespectful towards women MPs.” The incident, which triggered a walkout by the Opposition, has once again brought to the fore the simmering tensions between the ruling party and the Opposition in the Upper House.
Clash Over Remarks on Leader of the Opposition
The controversy erupted when Congress MP Jairam Ramesh sought the Chair’s intervention on an incident that transpired on July 31st, where BJP MP Ghanshyam Tiwari had referred to Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge as a “political dynast.” Mr. Kharge had vehemently denied the accusation, stating that he was a first-generation politician and detailing his political journey.
Chairman’s Defense and Opposition’s Ire
Chairman Dhankhar, however, defended Mr. Tiwari, asserting that the matter had been resolved in a private meeting between Mr. Tiwari and Mr. Kharge. This stance triggered a wave of protests from the Opposition, with senior MPs Tiruchi Siva and Ms. Bachchan vociferously demanding the expungement of Mr. Tiwari’s remarks from the records.
Jaya Bachchan’s Outrage and Demand for Apology
Ms. Bachchan expressed her strong disapproval of Chairman Dhankhar’s handling of the situation. She criticized his tone, accusing him of being disrespectful, particularly towards senior members of the House. She also took umbrage at the Chairman’s alleged disregard for her position as a Member of Parliament, demanding an apology for his dismissive remark.
Escalating Tensions and Opposition Walkout
The situation escalated as the Chairman took exception to Ms. Bachchan’s criticism, leading to a heated exchange. The Opposition, sensing the futility of further dialogue, staged a walkout in protest. The Chairman, in turn, accused the Opposition of attempting to destabilize the nation and vowed not to allow the House to become an “epicentre of disturbance.”
Support for Jaya Bachchan
Several Opposition MPs, including Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi and AITC MP Dola Sen, rallied behind Ms. Bachchan, condemning the Chairman’s alleged dismissive attitude towards women MPs.
Recurring Tensions: A Pattern Emerges
This incident is not an isolated occurrence. There have been previous instances of friction between Chairman Dhankhar and Ms. Bachchan, notably regarding the Chairman’s insistence on addressing her as “Jaya Amitabh Bachchan” despite her expressed discomfort.
Summary
The recent clash between Jaya Bachchan and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar underscores the growing tensions between the ruling party and the Opposition in the Upper House. Ms. Bachchan’s demand for an apology, triggered by the Chairman’s alleged disrespectful conduct, highlights the need for greater decorum and respect for all members, regardless of their political affiliations. The incident also raises concerns about the erosion of parliamentary norms and the challenges faced by women in politics.
Key Learning Points
| Key Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Clash in Rajya Sabha | Jaya Bachchan demands apology from Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar for alleged disrespect towards women MPs. |
| Triggering Incident | The controversy stemmed from BJP MP Ghanshyam Tiwari’s remarks on Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge. |
| Opposition’s Protest | The Opposition staged a walkout in protest against the Chairman’s handling of the situation. |
| Recurring Tensions | This incident is not an isolated occurrence, highlighting a pattern of friction between the Chairman and Ms. Bachchan. |
| Need for Decorum | The incident underscores the need for greater decorum and respect for all members in Parliament. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
