‘Farmer’s son’ vs ‘labourer’s son’: Fierce Dhankar-Kharge exchange leads to ruckus
Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar exchanged fierce words with Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday, amid the Opposition’s no-confidence motion against him in the Upper House of Parliament.
Such was the ruckus that followed the tense stand-off that the House was later adjourned for the day.
“I am a farmer’s son, I will not show weakness. I will sacrifice my life for my country. You (opposition) have only one job 24 hours a day, why is a farmer’s son sitting here…look what you are saying. I have tolerated a lot…you have the right to bring a motion but you are insulting the Constitution,” Dhankhar said.
Kharge, too, reminded the Rajya Sabha chairperson of his humble background to step up the attack on the BJP leader from Rajasthan. “You are encouraging the (BJP) members to speak against members of other parties… I am also the son of a farmer. I have faced more challenges than you. You are insulting our party leaders, you are insulting the Congress… We have not come here to listen to your praises, we have come here for discussion…,” he asserted.
The opposition I.N.D.I.A bloc has, for some time, accused Dhankhar of not being fair in giving space to its members in the House.
On Wednesday, Kharge had come out all guns blazing against the RS chairperson, saying Dhankhar was the “biggest reason” behind disruptions in the Upper House, where he acts like a “headmaster” to “students in a classroom”.
Dhankhar’s actions have “imperilled” parliamentary democracy, leaving the Opposition with no option but to seek his removal, Kharge had said.
Earlier in the day, Pramod Tiwari of the Congress told the House that Kharge was the son of Dalits and labourers.
But, Dhankhar attacked Kharge for not following due process and tarnishing his image. “…I have tolerated it enough. Today farmers are not just confined to farming,” he said. “I request you to take out time and meet me. If not then, I will come and meet you.”