New Delhi: The Congress party’s move to initiate proceedings to remove Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar has ignited a fierce political battle, with the Congress citing Dhankhar’s past praise for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as grounds for his removal. The Congress argues that Dhankhar’s self-described status as an “Eklavya of the RSS” is incompatible with the impartiality expected of the Rajya Sabha Chairman.
This action has drawn a sharp rebuke from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju vehemently defending Dhankhar and the RSS. Rijiju dismissed the Congress’s concerns, asserting that praising the RSS, a “proud nationalistic organisation,” is entirely legitimate.
“One of the points in the Congress petition is that Dhankhar has praised the RSS. RSS is a proud nationalistic organisation of our country. What is wrong in praising RSS?” Rijiju said on Tuesday,” Rijiju said.
He characterised the Congress’s petition as a diversionary tactic aimed at deflecting attention from alleged links between the Gandhi family and George Soros. Rijiju pointedly emphasised that anyone is free to praise any genuine and legal organisation in India. “One of the points in the Congress petition is that Dhankhar has praised the RSS. RSS is a proud nationalistic organisation of our country. What is wrong in praising RSS?” Rijiju said on Tuesday.
The BJP defended Dhankhar’s previous public statements supporting the RSS in Parliament, where he lauded the organisation’s “unimpeachable credentials” and its contribution to national service. Dhankhar also described the RSS as a “global think tank of the highest order.” Rijiju further underscored Dhankhar’s humble origins, emphasising that he is the first person from the Jat community to hold the office of Vice President. He highlighted Dhankhar’s consistent advocacy for farmers and the poor, both inside and outside Parliament.
Rijiju’s strong defence also criticised the Opposition’s conduct, stating the NDA government and the majority in Rajya Sabha have complete faith in Dhankhar’s leadership and his management of the House. Rijiju also criticised the Opposition for repeatedly disrespecting the chair, emphasising that respect for the chair’s rulings is crucial for the smooth functioning of the House. He asserted that while the Opposition INDIA bloc had submitted a notice to remove Dhankhar, they lack the numbers to successfully pass such a motion in the 243-member House.
“We have a lot of respect for Jagdeep Dhankhar. He is a very knowledgeable person. The notice that has been served against him, which has been signed by 60 MPs, I condemn it. The NDA government has full majority and the majority has trust in the Vice President,” said Rijiju.
Despite acknowledging their lack of the necessary numbers to pass a motion of removal, Opposition members maintained that their action serves as a strong statement in support of parliamentary democracy.
