"Disrespect To Post, My Community; Congress Should Reflect": VP Jagdeep Dhankhar In Rajya Sabha Over Mimicry Row

Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, expressed his deep disappointment on Wednesday (20 December), stating that he won't endure any disrespect towards the Parliament or the position of vice president.

This statement comes in response to Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee who mocked him within the parliament complex, and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi who captured the incident.

The chairman of the Rajya Sabha expressed that the imitation of him, accompanied by its filming, has resulted in a disrespect towards the dignity of the vice president's position, the farmers, and his own community.

Upon reconvening at 11.45 am following the third suspension, Dhankhar conveyed his distress about the incident that occurred yesterday. He urged the Congress party, specifically the Opposition Leader Mallikarjun Kharge, to reflect on the situation.

Dhankhar stated that personal insults directed towards him did not bother him, but he found it unbearable that he was unable to safeguard the dignity of his position. He emphasised that it was his responsibility to uphold the respect of the House.

"You wouldn't believe what has transpired. A significant event occurred, in which the post was shown disrespect. The farmers' community, my community, was subjected to insult, and yet you remain silent," he stated, before once again adjourning the House proceedings for approximately 15 minutes.

Previously, the sessions of the Rajya Sabha were suspended three times, PTI reported.