Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan has called for an apology from Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar after a heated altercation regarding remarks made by BJP MP Ghanshyam Tiwari about Opposition Leader Mallikarjun Kharge.
During a session, Jaya Bachchan voiced strong objections to the Chairman’s tone and actions, which she felt undermined parliamentary decorum.
Bachchan criticised Dhankhar for silencing Kharge’s microphone when he attempted to speak, stating, “We are not schoolchildren; some of us are senior citizens. The manner in which the Chairman shut down the Opposition Leader was entirely inappropriate.” She also condemned Dhankhar for using what she described as “unparliamentary language,” including terms like “nuisance” and “Buddhiheen.”
Expressing her frustration, Bachchan asserted, “Whether or not he acknowledges my status as a celebrity is beside the point. As a Member of Parliament in my fifth term, I expect to be treated with respect.” She was supported by several other female MPs, including Sonia Gandhi, who backed her call for decorum.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi and TMC MP Dola Sen also rallied behind Bachchan, emphasizing that her extensive experience in Parliament should ensure her respect and dignity.
Earlier, Opposition members had sought to expunge Tiwari’s remarks, and Bachchan had addressed the Chairman’s conduct. Dhankhar responded sharply, rejecting the criticism and insisting that he operates independently of any script.
This confrontation led to a walkout by Opposition MPs, prompting Dhankhar to accuse them of abandoning their parliamentary duties. Leader of House JP Nadda condemned the Opposition’s actions, labelling them as improper.
This conflict follows a previous light-hearted moment on August 2, when Dhankhar reacted humorously to Bachchan’s self-introduction as “Jaya Amitabh Bachchan”. The exchange, which came after Bachchan had previously expressed discomfort with being identified by her husband’s name, involved playful banter between Dhankhar and Bachchan, adding a contrast to the current tensions.
The recent developments reflect ongoing debates about respect, conduct, and the role of parliamentary leaders in maintaining decorum.
