Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman, Jagdeep Dhankhar, has made it clear that his role in Parliament is not to defend any individual, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but to uphold the Constitution and safeguard citizens’ rights. This statement comes in response to allegations made by Leader of the Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, who accused Dhankhar of defending the Prime Minister over the Opposition’s demand for a debate on the Manipur issue.
Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized that his primary responsibility is to uphold the Constitution and protect citizens’ rights, rather than taking sides or defending any specific individual. He expressed his disappointment at the Leader of the Opposition’s observation, stating that it is not conducive to healthy parliamentary proceedings.
The ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament has been marred by disruptions and adjournments, as the Opposition has been pressing for a debate on the Manipur issue. The demand for a statement from the Prime Minister on the matter has further escalated tensions in the house.
In Lok Sabha, disruptions persisted on Thursday, leading to the adjournment of proceedings until 2 pm due to protests by Opposition members regarding the Manipur issue. Speaker Om Birla, upset at the repeated disruptions, chose not to chair the proceedings during Question Hour for the second consecutive day.
The focus on the Manipur issue and the demand for a debate continue to hamper the smooth functioning of legislative proceedings in both houses of Parliament. The situation remains tense, and finding a resolution to the issue has become paramount to restoring order and allowing other important legislative matters to be addressed.
Vice President Dhankhar’s assertion that his duty is to defend the Constitution and uphold democratic principles underscores the importance of maintaining parliamentary decorum and prioritizing the interests of the citizens. As the debates and discussions continue, it is crucial for all members of Parliament to remember their responsibilities as representatives of the people and work towards finding a resolution through constructive dialogue and cooperation. Only by adhering to the principles of democracy and respecting parliamentary norms can meaningful progress be made in addressing the concerns and issues that affect the nation and its citizens.
