Parliament Winter Session: Kharge and Nadda Clash Over Dhankhar

NEW DELHI: The opening day of the 2025 Winter Session of Parliament saw a notable exchange between Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, and JP Nadda, the Leader of the House. The incident centred around Kharge's comments regarding the unexpected resignation of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar from his role as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

In his address welcoming the new Chairman, CP Radhakrishnan, Kharge expressed regret over what he termed the 'sudden exit' of Dhankhar, which he described as 'unprecedented in the annals of Parliamentary history.' He noted, 'The Chairman Rajya Sabha, as the custodian of the House, belongs as much to the opposition as to the government,' and lamented that the House did not have the opportunity to formally bid farewell to Dhankhar.

Kharge's remarks drew immediate criticism from members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with JP Nadda responding sharply. He suggested that Kharge should seek medical help for his political frustrations, stating, 'If we start discussing the issue that our Leader of the Opposition brought up today, I think it's irrelevant.' Nadda asserted the need to maintain decorum during the felicitation of the new Chairman, emphasising that such topics should not overshadow the proceedings of the House.

Nadda continued, addressing Kharge’s recent electoral setbacks, 'The defeat in Bihar, Haryana, and Maharashtra has caused you considerable pain. But you should express your pain and suffering to a doctor.' This comment was met with a mix of surprise and laughter from members in the House, further escalating the tension in the chamber.

Earlier in July, Jagdeep Dhankhar had resigned from his position as Vice President of India, citing health issues, making him one of only three Vice Presidents to leave office before completing their term. His resignation sparked widespread speculation and discussions regarding the implications for the Rajya Sabha and its leadership.

Kharge's comments were not just a personal reflection but also an indication of the ongoing political rivalry between the Congress party, which he leads, and the BJP, the ruling party. His statement underscored the importance of acknowledging past leaders, regardless of political differences.

In response to Kharge's reference to Dhankhar, BJP Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also weighed in, criticising Kharge for bringing up the former Chairman's resignation during a moment meant for celebration and transition. Rijiju stated, 'This is a very solemn occasion... Why did the honourable Leader of Opposition refer to a case which was not necessary to be raised at this moment?'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the session earlier, commented on the opposition's reaction to recent electoral losses, stating, 'Defeat should not be the ground to create disruption.' He urged members to focus on the legislative agenda rather than personal grievances.

As the Winter Session progresses, it remains to be seen how these tensions will affect the functioning of Parliament and the discussions on pressing national issues. The atmosphere in the Rajya Sabha reflects the broader political climate in India, characterised by intense rivalry and differing visions for the country's future.