Modi talks about protocol, does he imply Jagdeep Dhankhar ?? :::: "Democracy will degenerate into a tyranny if it does not allow opposition to criticise Govt fairly and freely" - says LoP Rajya Sabha Kharge

Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge on the first day of the winter session of Parliament said -  “A democracy is likely to degenerate into a tyranny if it does not allow the opposition groups to criticise fairly, freely and frankly the policies of the government".

He quoted former President Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. 

The Congress leader congratulated Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on assuming office as the Chairman of the Upper House.

“I rise today on my own behalf and on behalf of all opposition members to heartily congratulate you on assuming the office of Chairman of Rajya Sabha.”

The Lok Sabha was adjourned till 2 pm amid noisy proceedings at the start of the Winter Session of Parliament.

The adjournment came as members raised demands to discuss key issues including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, pollution, and internal security, leading to heated exchanges on the floor.

Leader of the House and BJP president JP Nadda reacted to Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks about the farewell for the former Chairman.

Nadda said the discussion about the farewell would be “irrelevant” and noted that there were other comments made as well. 

He added, “Alright, the defeats in Bihar, Haryana, and Maharashtra have caused you discomfort,” addressing the Opposition’s response to recent election results.

Kharge also cited former President and philosopher Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, quoting his remarks from 16 May 1952: “I belong to no party,” highlighting the non-partisan nature expected of the Chair. 

He noted that this was relevant as some had claimed the new Chairman belonged to their political party.  

Kharge on Monday also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for focusing on “drama” rather than discussing pressing issues on the opening day of the Winter Session.

In a series of tweets, Kharge accused the government of undermining parliamentary decorum over the past 11 years, citing instances such as the hurried passage of at least 12 bills during the last Monsoon Session, some in under 15 minutes and some without any debate. 

He also pointed to controversial laws like the farm laws, GST amendments, and the Citizenship Amendment Act as examples of Parliament being “bulldozed” through without adequate discussion.

Kharge highlighted the ongoing SIR exercise, stating that the workload has led to repeated deaths among Booth-Level Officers (BLOs). He said the Opposition intends to prioritise issues such as alleged “vote theft” and will continue to raise them in the House.

He urged the BJP to end distractions and focus on genuine public concerns. 

“The reality is that ordinary citizens are grappling with unemployment, inflation, economic inequality, and exploitation of the country’s resources, while those in power are indulging in drama driven by arrogance,” Kharge said.

In Rajya Sabha, PM Narendra Modi felicitated Vice President C P Radhakrishnan.

"I saw the bond you forged with the tribal communities in Jharkhand. The way you visited even small villages, the Chief Minister of Jharkhand would proudly mention these things whenever he met me,"  he said.

"Whether you had a helicopter or not, you would travel in whatever vehicle you had, stopping at small places at night. We all know your spirit of service and the way you took it to new heights as Governor...," the Prime Minister said

 

"I have realised one thing that people sometimes feel the burden of their position, and sometimes they get overwhelmed by protocol. 

But I've noticed that you have no connection with protocol...", Modi added. 

On PM Narendra Modi's 'drama' remark against the opposition, Congress MP KC Venugopal said:

"Whenever you are making a statement, at least think about what you people are doing. The Prime Minister is talking about sloganeering. 

It was started by the  BJP when they raised slogans of 'Modi- Modi'. When Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, and so many people were Prime Ministers, did you witness any such thing during their terms? 

Did people chant their names when they entered the House?... We are agitating. 

The opposition's role is to criticise the government's policies. But the government is raising slogans and then advising us against sloganeering... 

SIR is not just an issue; the election system has collapsed in the country. The Election Commission has become a party to everything. It is no more conducting free and fair elections. We need to reinstate democracy in the country."

ends